MBBS, MD, DHSM (Natal), DOH (Wits), MPhil HIV/AIDS Management (Stellenbosch). Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth
*Corresponding Author: Prof. B. Meel, MBBS, MD, DHSM (Natal), DOH (Wits), M. Phil HIV/AIDS Managment (Stellenbosch), Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sceinces, Nelson Mandela Metropolitian University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
Online published on 23 December, 2019.
Gang rape is one of the most egregious forms of violence and has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa. It is prevalent in all spheres of society and all women are potential victims.
To determine the proportion of gang rapes reported in the Mthatha region of South Africa.
This was a retrospective cross-sectional review of all cases of gang rape cases reported by complainants 16 years of age and older, between January 2008 to December 2008, at Sinawe Rape Crisis Center in Umtata General Hospital. Recorded variables included age, number of perpetrators and relation of victim to perpetrator.
Three hundred and seventy cases of rape were recorded of these, 63 (16.6%) were gang rapes. Two perpetrators were involved in 74.6% of rapes, 10 (15.8%) involved three perpetrators, and in 3 (4.8%) cases four perpetrators were identified. Most of the perpetrators 44(69.8%) were not know to the victims.
There is a high incidence of gang rape in Mthatha area of South Africa.
Gang rapes, sexual assaults, perpetrators, victims
