Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 1400 rape cases were dropped by the South African Police Service (SAPS) due to insufficient evidence.

This revelation was made during a Parliamentary response by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. These cases involved suspects that were arrested and later released.

According to the latest annual police stats, an average of 120 rape cases are reported daily – overwhelmingly affecting women.

Mchunu also disclosed that nine murder cases and 18 hijacking cases were withdrawn for similar reasons during the same period, sparking concern over the effectiveness of police investigations in serious crimes.