Rape on trial in South Africa

The case has thrown the spotlight on sexual violence in South Africa, which has among the highest murder, rape, and HIV infection rates in the world. Women's advocates say this is because of lack of confidence in the criminal justice system, the stigma attached to reporting rape in a heavily patriarchal society, and the lingering belief that somehow the victims are to blame. To subject a complainant in a rape case to threats and intimidation demonstrates callous contempt for all women and for the constitutionally protected human rights that form the cornerstone of our hard won democracy, the TAC said.