Democratic Alliance (DA) NCOP member, Mzamo Billy’s oversight inspection at three eThekwini police stations on Monday morning, 1 June has uncovered a disturbing shortage of rape kits at Inanda SAPS, Phoenix SAPS and Durban Central SAPS, raising concerns about the support available to survivors of sexual violence.
The findings emerged during unannounced oversight visits conducted as part of the DA’s ongoing efforts to assess conditions at police stations across the country.
According to Billy, the absence of rape kits at all three stations could severely compromise investigations into sexual offences, as crucial forensic evidence may be lost if survivors are unable to access the kits immediately after reporting crimes.
“Without rape kits, survivors of rape are being completely failed by SAPS, as crucial evidence needed to secure convictions can be lost when victims are unable to access these kits immediately after reporting the crime,” the party said.
Beyond the rape-kit shortages, the inspections also revealed significant operational resource constraints that are affecting the ability of police officers.
Billy said officers are increasingly being expected to confront heavily armed and dangerous criminals while facing shortages of essential resources and specialised operational equipment.
He warned that these challenges place both police officers and communities at risk, while undermining investigations and weakening public confidence in law enforcement.
Particular concern was raised over the continued resource challenges at Durban Central SAPS, which has previously faced scrutiny over shortages affecting service delivery.
Billy said the DA has vowed to escalate the findings to the Minister of Police and SAPS national management, calling for urgent intervention and accountability.
“South Africans deserve a police service that is properly equipped to protect communities, support victims of crime and ensure officers have the resources needed to perform their duties safely and effectively. The oversight findings are likely to add to growing concerns about policing resources in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly as communities continue to grapple with high levels of violent crime and gender-based violence,” he concluded.
