Please find attached soundbite by Angel Khanyile MP.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted an unannounced oversight visit to the Masakhane Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), and revealed that this is another institution out of stock of crucial rape-kits that collect and preserve critical evidence ahead of criminal prosecution.
This comes after the DA has exposed numerous SAPS and other survivor facilities that are out of stock of rape-kits.
The conditions discovered at Masakhane Thuthuzela in Gauteng were of deep concern to me, and extremely unacceptable for a facility meant to be a haven for survivors of gender-based violence.
Upon arrival there was no permanent police presence at the facility; a key requirement of a TCC.
This centre currently operates out of a container-type structure in dire condition.
While we commend the dedicated staff for making do, we found that only two doctors are available on rotation working 24-hour shifts. Two doctors are meant to serve over eleven communities.
This is a centre that should be a safe-haven assisting rape survivors, but we found that it also has to take blood samples from drunk drivers who occupy the same space. Victims of sexual assault are routinely assessed and examined without the necessary examination aprons, meant to provide dignity and privacy.
Every time samples are taken, staff have to telephone the SAPS in the hope they will come to collect what is critical evidence. This is not just inefficient; it jeopardises justice.
The DA will undertake continuous, unannounced oversight across all TCCs in Gauteng to expose the full extent of these problems.
We will then use every parliamentary tool to demand budgets, staffing, and infrastructure that match the crisis our women and children face.