The rising violence against sex workers in Phoenix, Chatsworth, Tongaat and Verulam

Violence against sex workers has surged in several areas of KwaZulu-Natal, including Phoenix, Chatsworth, Tongaat, Verulam, and Merebank, prompting calls from gender-based violence (GBV) activists for immediate legal reforms and enhanced protections for these vulnerable individuals. Reports indicate that increasing numbers of women are entering the sex trade due to high unemployment and economic hardship, often to provide for their families or meet basic living costs. Activists warn that the lack of legal recognition and protection for sex workers exacerbates their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation. The rise in violence has been documented through multiple accounts collected by non-profit organizations working with GBV survivors. Dr. Daniel Chettiar, founder of the DSK Group, an NGO providing support services for GBV victims, child abuse, and trauma, stated that his organization recorded approximately 37 cases of assault against sex workers over the past four months. Many of these women described being forced into sex work due to a lack of alternative employment opportunities. According to Chettiar, the perpetrators of these attacks often act out fantasies derived from media, leading to severe physical harm. One case involved a 25-year-old woman who was bound and subjected to sexual acts before being brutally beaten. Another incident saw a woman allegedly lured into a false sense of security by a client, only to be gang-raped by three men on a beach. Chettiar emphasized that the majority of these women are not engaged in drug-related activities but are instead seeking survival through whatever means necessary. He recounted the story of a young woman who became an orphan and was left to care for her siblings after losing both parents. Unable to secure formal employment, she resorted to sex work to ensure her siblings could attend school and maintain a household. Currently pursuing her matric qualification, she hopes to improve her future prospects. Vanessa Chetty, founder of the Hope Foundation, highlighted similar issues in Merebank, Chatsworth, and Shallcross, where sex workers face additional risks such as non-payment by clients, which often leads to physical altercations. Chetty noted that the perception of sex workers has evolved significantly since the 1990s, when they were primarily associated with street-level transactions. Today, much of the activity occurs within private residences, particularly among younger women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have not completed their education. These women view sex work as a viable income source despite its social stigma. Chetty explained that many sex workers refrain from reporting incidents to authorities due to fears of prosecution under current laws that criminalize prostitution. This lack of legal recourse encourages perpetrators to act with impunity, knowing that victims may hesitate to come forward. She expressed hope that pending legislative changes would offer some level of protection and support for sex workers, allowing them to seek justice without fear of reprisal. Prem Balram, head of Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), reported receiving numerous calls regarding a distressing incident involving a 29-year-old sex worker found lying along the roadside on Ireland Street in the Verulam Central Business District. According to the woman’s account, she encountered three Indian men from Chatsworth who claimed to be traveling to Richards Bay. Initially believing them to be potential clients, she was later subjected to an unspecified incident that led to her being found in a compromised state. Details surrounding the exact nature of the encounter remain unclear, but the situation underscores the broader pattern of escalating violence faced by sex workers in the region. Activists continue to push for comprehensive legal reforms aimed at recognizing the rights of sex workers and ensuring their safety. They argue that current policies fail to address the systemic issues contributing to the rise in violence, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate legal frameworks. As discussions around legislative changes progress, advocates stress the urgency of implementing measures that protect the dignity and well-being of those engaged in sex work, acknowledging the complex socio-economic factors driving their choices.