Qacha’s Nek, Feb. 03 — The escalating wave of sexual offenses in Qacha’s Nek is raising alarm among residents, law enforcement, and judicial authorities, painting a troubling picture of the district’s safety and justice system.
According to December 2024 statistics, 36 out of 61 inmates at Qacha’s Nek Correctional Facility are convicted of sexual offenses, meaning nearly 60 percent of the prison population is linked to such crimes.
Residents are calling for tougher legal action to curb the rise. “Hefty punishment for perpetrators will help decrease these cases,” said Mr. Ts’eliso Mpeka, 65, of Policeline in an interview with the Agency.
He criticized what he perceives as leniency in the justice system, highlighting how perpetrators receive counseling in prison while victims are often left without support.
“The law seems to favor the perpetrators. Enforcement must be stronger, and people need to be educated about abuse to prevent it,” he stressed.
