Withdrawal of cases fuels GBV

THE withdrawal of assault cases in Kunene has become a headache for the police in the region.

This was said by the head of the Gender-Based Violence Investigation Unit in Kunene, inspector Theresia Shilula recently when she said GBV victims in most cases change their minds and withdraw reported assault cases after negotiations with their abusers, leaving the police helpless.

The victims opt to take such cases to traditional courts where they are compensated, she said recently. Shilula said in most cases, victims are promised compensation by the perpetrators of assault against them to prevent the case going to court.

“This is one of the drivers of gender-based violence (GBV) as suspects do not feel the weight of the justice system on them,” she added.

Echoing Shilula’s sentiments, crime investigations coordinator of the police in the Kunene region, deputy commissioner Rudolf Kanyetu said victims are sometimes threatened by family members of suspects, while in other cases they withdraw cases because of fear of losing support if suspects are the breadwinners.

“Victims in most cases are pushed into a corner and end up sacrificing justice for material and financial support by spouses,” Kanyetu said.

He, however, said that if minors are involved, it becomes a state case and withdrawal ceases to be an option.

Secretary at the Otjikaoko Traditional Court at Opuwo, Uapanderajo Herunga said a directive from the justice ministry had barred GBV cases from being handled at traditional level but should be referred to the police and the magistrates’ courts. –

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