Forensic evidence collection for sexual assault: a South African perspective

The incidence of rape in South Africa is approximately 300 per 100,000 women, with a conviction rate of approximately 10% of cases. Poor medical evidence is responsible in part for the low conviction rate. The district surgeon system that was responsible for medico-legal procedures and examinations is being phased out which has left the examination of sexual offences to all state employed medical practitioners. Lack of training and expertise make the present system untenable. There are several proposals being considered and implemented in the Western Cape Province to address this deficiency, which include the formation of 'one-stop centers', training, and complete evidence collection kits.