THE BENCH
Official Newsletter of the Judicial Officers Alliance of South Africa
Seventh Edition · October 2026
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Recent Developments and the Judicial Response
A National Crisis Requiring Sustained Judicial Attention
Public demonstrations continue to call for an end to the killing of women in South Africa.
South Africa continues to experience unacceptably high levels of gender-based violence and femicide. Recent statistical releases by the South African Police Service and research by civil society organisations confirm that women and girls remain at grave risk in both public and private spaces. The judiciary has a central role in ensuring that the criminal justice response is swift, sensitive and effective. Legislative developments include the strengthened Domestic Violence Act, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, and the ongoing implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Specialised sexual offences courts and the increased use of intermediary facilities have improved the experience of child and vulnerable adult witnesses. Sentencing jurisprudence continues to emphasise that gender-based violence is an aggravating factor and that lengthy terms of imprisonment are appropriate in serious cases. Magistrates are urged to ensure that protection orders are granted without unnecessary delay, that bail applications in GBV matters are rigorously scrutinised, and that victims are treated with dignity at every stage of the proceedings. The recent killings of women have again focused national attention on the need for a coordinated response. Judicial officers form an indispensable part of that response.
Judicial Officers Alliance of South Africa · Upholding Justice, Promoting Equity, Fostering Unity Page 13