A new Rapid Response and Gender-Based Violence Centre at Wentworth Police Station in Durban is designed to provide immediate support, comfort and care to survivors, Ahmed Osman, founder and trustee of Human Aid SA, remarked at Thursday’s launch.
He said that locating these services directly at a police station will give survivors faster access to counseling, referrals, and a safe space during a critical time.
“The opening of the Wentworth GBV Centre forms part of broader efforts across KwaZulu-Natal to strengthen the response to GBV and ensure survivors receive dignified, co-ordinated care,” Osman said.
“This facility is a dream made real, and it will change lives, turning victims into survivors. We look forward to more collaborations in the service of humanity,” he said.
NATIONAL CRIME STATISTICS
During the recent release of quarterly crime statistics, Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said 47.2% of reported rapes during the January to March 2026 period occurred in residential settings.
Nearly half of all rapes reported in South Africa during the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year (4,620 of 9,782 rapes ) took place in the homes of either the victim or the perpetrator, highlighting the persistent threat of GBV behind closed doors.
“The reality is that violence in South Africa is often perpetrated by people known to victims, including partners, relatives, neighbours and acquaintances. The home, where we should be safest, is a dangerous place for too many of our people,” Cachalia said.
While South Africa recorded declines in several major crime categories during the quarter, Cachalia warned that violence against women and children remains a serious challenge requiring sustained action beyond the criminal justice system.
GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS
According to a report by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the extent of GBVF in SA has reached crisis proportions. The department is proposing a phased rollout of evidence-based GBV prevention approaches in schools, institutions of higher learning and community settings. The process will span over 22 months.
Currently, the department is in the programme design and development phase in August and September 2026. The department stated that the country’s rate of femicide is reported to be among the highest globally, with some reports suggesting this rate to be almost five times the global average.
The department also highlighted GBV hotspot areas.
In KZN: Inanda, Ntuzuma, Umlazi, Empangeni, Eshowe, Mountain Rise, Plessislaer and KwaDukuza.
In the Eastern Cape: Lusikisiki, Mthatha, Ngqeleni.
In the Western Cape: Delft, Emfuleni, Kraaifontein, Harare and Nyanga.
In Gauteng: Roodepoort, Diepsloot, Alexandra and Orange Farm.
LAUNCH OF GBV CENTRE
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said the launch coincided with the government’s campaign to curb the scourge of GBV and Femicide under the theme “Silwa Nechilo”.
Councillor Mohamed Tariq, representing the People’s Freedom Party (PFP) in eThekwini, said the centre’s launch is an important step forward in protecting women and children. Tariq said the centre represents hope, support and a place where survivors can receive the assistance they need with dignity and compassion.
“May this centre make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. We cannot remain silent in the face of gender-based violence,” he said.
Aidan David, representing the eThekwini District Police Board, said this type of positive collaboration between businesses, the Community Policing Forum, and the SAPS is appreciated.
Osman said Human Aid SA is a humanitarian organisation focused on empowerment and upliftment, disaster relief, community development, and support for vulnerable groups across eThekwini.
Osman said the project was done in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Tropic Plastic. He expressed gratitude to all donors, supporters, and partners whose contributions made the project possible.
