The 2050 Free State Vision report highlights high murder and sexual offence rates in several municipalities. Murder rates exceed 40 per 100,000 people in some areas, with Matjhabeng recording 52 murders per 100,000, followed by Masilonyana at 48 and Mangaung at 46, the report indicates.

Safety concerns remain prevalent in both urban and rural communities. The province also records a high rate of sexual offences, averaging 145 incidents per 100,000 people. Masilonyana stands out with 259 incidents per 100,000, according to the report, further underlining concerns about violence and the safety of vulnerable residents.

Several recent initiatives are keeping gender-based violence and femicide in the spotlight. Free State Treasury MEC Ketso Makume last week led a GBVF awareness campaign at Naval Hill in Bloemfontein on behalf of Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, where he delivered a pledge against violence targeting women and children.

The campaign comes amid continuing concern about violence against women, including recent cases involving women whose bodies were discovered in Kempton Park and an alleged attack on a young couple near Uitsig Cemetery in Bloemfontein. Provincial authorities are also working to ensure survivors know where to seek assistance after an attack.

The handling of rape complaints has improved, including greater awareness among male police officers of the sensitivity required when assisting survivors, Makume says. The provincial government is also working to ensure victims have information about reporting procedures and the support services available to them after incidents of sexual or gender-based violence.

Meanwhile, more than 200 men, including bikers, gathered at Hoffman Square in Bloemfontein on Sunday (27/9) as organisations joined forces against GBVF. Free State social development MEC Mathabo Hlalele, Royal Family Cathedral pastor Dr Masekwane Masekwane and the Red Cross Free State were among those participating in the initiative.

Men need to take greater responsibility for raising boys with respect for women and helping to end violence against women and children, Hlalele says. She also wants legislation dealing with domestic and gender-based violence to be examined for possible gaps that could be hampering efforts to combat GBVF.

Stock theft presents another serious challenge, particularly for rural communities dependent on agriculture. An annual average of 134 stock theft cases per 100,000 people has been recorded in the province over the past 12 years, the 2050 Free State Vision report states, with consequences for both agricultural production and economic security.

Some of the highest rates are recorded in Phumelela, Mohokare and Kopanong, particularly in communities dependent on sheep farming, the rezport indicates. Youth unemployment is also identified as a factor that can contribute to crime, with economic hardship increasing the risk that some young people may turn to illegal activities.

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