The initial task was to draft a community safety plan. But the team quickly recognised that safety cannot be separated from justice. Their focus shifted toward the root causes of case withdrawal and what it would take to ensure that more cases are taken seriously and handled with care from beginning to end.

What the numbers show

The team started by looking at past records. An audit of 11 previously withdrawn GBVF cases revealed that 3 had been dropped due to poor police investigation, while 8 were withdrawn at the request of the complainant. These withdrawals are not just procedural failures; they are signals of deeper issues such as, fear, lack of support, or a sense that reporting won’t lead to meaningful action.

To prevent these patterns from continuing, the Station Commander has begun personally reviewing 30 GBVF cases a month to ensure only well-prepared cases move forward. Since April, no cases have been withdrawn – a shift that the team credits to improved case management and survivor follow-up. This includes returning to older cases to check whether complainants still want to pursue them and creating space for survivors to re-engage when ready.

There is also a growing awareness of how male complainants have been treated when seeking help. In some instances, reports suggest they were not taken seriously by officers when trying to open a case. Recognising this as both a failure in service delivery and a missed opportunity to strengthen accountability, the team has made it clear that all complainants must be treated with seriousness and respect, regardless of gender.

Involving those with influence

One of the most significant developments has come through the involvement of churches. Faith leaders are seen as having both moral authority and regular access to community members. A committee of ministers representing all local churches has begun including GBVF prevention messages in their sermons, using the platform as a space for education, reflection and encouragement. In a town like Smithfield, churches play a visible and trusted role in people’s lives. Their participation sends a message that GBVF is not a private issue, but a public concern.

Expanding the Circle

Beyond the courtroom and the church, the team is exploring other ways to bring GBVF into everyday conversation. One upcoming effort involves tavern owners, particularly in Somido Park, a part of town where alcohol, violence, and reporting gaps often converge. The team plans to engage directly with tavern owners, encouraging them to take part in awareness efforts that reach their regular patrons and help change everyday attitudes around GBVF. At the same time, the team is building relationships with the Department of Social Development and the National Prosecuting Authority, while also holding conversations with Correctional Services about rehabilitative support for perpetrators once incarcerated. There is also regular youth engagement through sporting events, where the Police Youth Desk shares prevention messages and opens up space for dialogue. Municipal leadership has shown commitment as well. The newly appointed mayor has taken a hands-on approach, positioning himself as an administrator focused on solutions rather than politics.

Keeping an eye on progress

Tracking what works is central to the team’s approach. Weekly case audits are one layer of this. Another is the steady monitoring of court outcomes: since April, there have been 7 GBVF-related convictions, with 2 more cases pending. Thabo Mofutsanyana Districtis trying to build systems that are both people-centred and structurally aware in an effort to lay the groundwork for longer-term change. There are still gaps, but this work shows that progress is possible as long as efforts are consistent and accountability is shared.