South Africa: Over 1,800 Child Rape Cases Dropped As DNA Labs Fall Behind

Between 2020 and 2025, 1,853 child rape cases were withdrawn in South Africa due to slow forensic labs, shortages of rape kits, and a lack of dedicated investigation policies. Parliament's police committee says officers closing these cases are breaking their own rules. Committee chair Ian Cameron called the situation unacceptable given the high rate of rape. Child protection units lack tools and staff, and many cases go unreported despite legal requirements.