The facility, officially opened on Thursday (4/12), aims to provide specialised support to survivors while improving conviction rates in cases of sexual violence. Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Mangaung mayor Gregory Nthatisi, and minister of justice Mamoloko Kubayi presided over the opening ceremony.

South Africa recorded more than 100,000 cases involving child victims over the past six financial years, of which more than 22,000 were sexual offences.

Official opening of the Botshabelo Sexual Offences Court. Photo: Facebook

Letsoha-Mathae emphasised the severe impact of sexual violence, stating that sexual violence constitutes one of the most devastating offences in our society.

“It impacts not just the individual survivor but also families, communities, and the nation at large. Survivors frequently encounter prolonged delays, secondary trauma, stigma, and barriers that impede their access to justice.”

Their visit follows a recent successful prosecution of a Botshabelo man, 32, convicted of sexually assaulting a girl, 12.

Official opening of the Botshabelo Sexual Offences Court. Photo: Facebook

The new court forms part of the government’s response to these systemic challenges, the premier added. “This court has been established as a direct reaction to those challenges. 

“It signifies a commitment: that survivors will be acknowledged, safeguarded, and treated with empathy and expertise. NGOs need to play their role. 

“We have funded NGOs that are not doing what they are meant to do. We must monitor their impact in helping communities, particularly women and children, who are the most vulnerable and victims of abuse, sexual violence, and gender-based violence and femicide.”

Safe, trauma-informed space

Kubayi highlighted the survivor-centred design of the facility, saying it included a child-friendly environment and ensured victims did not have to testify in the same room as perpetrators.

“Specialist professionals are available to support victims in giving their testimonies in an enabling environment. This provides them with speedy access to help.”

The court is equipped with modern technology and staffed by trained prosecutors, social workers, psychologists, and intermediaries-resources that conventional courts often lack. Its primary goal is to create a safe, trauma-informed space where survivors can testify without fear or intimidation.

Meanwhile, the Free State welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the keynote address at the Free State Provincial Indaba for Men at Lemo Green Park in Bloemfontein, also on Thursday. 

It formed part of the national 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign and called on men and boys to actively participate in ending GBVF.

This year’s campaign theme, Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, underscored the presidency’s call for a unified, community-driven response rooted in solidarity and accountability.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh