DA warns justice system is failing statutory rape victims as cases fail to reach trial [SOUND]

# The DA says stronger police investigations are needed to improve conviction rates in sexual offence cases. The party states more than half of statutory rape cases in the province were withdrawn between 2020 and last year. According to police figures, 544 cases were reported, with 280 withdrawn and only 124 resulting in convictions. The DA’s Benedicta van Minnen calls for improved investigative capacity, better cooperation between police and prosecutors, and enhanced training for officers: