World

South Africa Rape Laws: Tougher Justice

by Jordan Yerman | December 14, 2007 at 06:49 am

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As South Africa gears up to host the world cup, one of the issues they must address is their astronomical crime rate. Rape in particular is widespread in South Africa, exacerbated by one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world.

After a protracted delay, South Africa's tough new laws against sexual abuse will finally enter force on Sunday.

The Justice and Constitutional Development Ministry said on Friday that the Sexual Offences Amendment Act will help the country "fight the scourge of sexual offences head-on" and will at last give greater protection to victims of sexual crimes.

For the first time, victims will be able to go to court to force their attackers to take Aids tests. An estimated 5,4-million South Africans are infected with HIV -- the highest number of any country in the world.

More than 50 000 rape cases were reported last year, almost 150 per day. Based on reported cases alone, South Africa has 114 rapes per 100 000 people, compared with a rate of 32 rapes per 100 000 in the United States, according to police figures. Women's rights groups estimate that only one in nine rapes is reported to police.

Of course, those not dissuaded by new laws can always roll the dice... but I recommend against it. Really.