KZN rape cases surge

2008-12-30 21:05

Durban - Incidents of rape in KwaZulu-Natal had more than quadrupled during the 2008 festive season since last year, the provincial health department said.

Spokesperson Chris Maxon said rape cases were "very high" with 59% of them involving child victims.

In 2007, 75 rape cases had been reported in the province during the festive season and in 2008 this figure rose sharply to 437.

Other crimes had also risen considerably.

Last year, 462 people had sustained stab wounds during the December holidays and this had more than doubled during the 2008 festive season.

At least 101 people had sustained gunshot wounds and this figure rose to 205 this year.

Assaults had also more than quadrupled.

In 2007, 694 people were treated at hospitals for assault wounds and this figure increased to 3 131 this holiday season.

Those treated for injuries sustained in vehicle accidents had moved from 875 in December 2007 to 1 840 in December 2008.

- SAPA