Galeshewe Thuthuzela Care Centre

About the Galeshewe Thuthuzela Care Centre

The Galeshewe Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) is a government-operated, 24-hour one-stop facility for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence, located at Galeshewe Day Hospital, Tyson Road, Kimberley, in the Frances Baard District Municipality of the Northern Cape.

It is operated by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Health and other government departments.

The TCC model was introduced in South Africa in 1999 and is internationally recognised as best practice in managing gender-based violence cases. The TCC model provides the most comprehensive pre-trial services for victims of gender-based violence — psychosocial, medical, and legal — adopting a victim-centred approach based on respect, comfort, restoring dignity, and ensuring justice for all vulnerable groups including girls, boys, women, and men.

Services Offered — What Happens When You Arrive

When you arrive at the TCC, a TCC Coordinator or Victim Assistant Officer, nurse, or NGO representative will welcome you and provide comfort. Trauma containment will be arranged or provided immediately.

The full intake process proceeds as follows:

1. Welcome and crisis support: you will be received by a trained TCC Coordinator or Victim Assistant Officer who will explain the process and ensure you feel safe
2. Medical examination: a doctor or nurse will conduct a medical examination with your consent; a nurse will be present throughout; you will be informed about what happens with clothing taken for evidence
3. Bath or shower: facilities are available for your use after the examination
4. Police statement: a police officer will interview you and take your statement at the TCC — you may open a case immediately or at a later stage
5. Counselling: a social worker or nurse will provide counselling and emotional support
6. Medical follow-up: a nurse arranges follow-up visits and medication for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and emergency contraception
7. Long-term counselling: a referral letter or appointment will be made for ongoing counselling support
8. Transportation and safety: a police officer will arrange transport home, or you will be referred to a place of safety if needed
9. Specialist prosecutor: a dedicated TCC State Advocate will consult with you before your case goes to court, and will guide the investigation through prosecutor-guided investigation (PGI)
10. Court preparation: a Court Preparation Officer will prepare you for giving testimony if the case goes to trial
11. Ongoing communication: the Victim Assistant Officer will keep you informed of all developments in your case throughout the process

Child-Friendly Services

TCCs are child-friendly environments equipped to provide a safe space for children to tell their story and receive appropriate care. This includes specialised equipment, child-friendly furniture, two-way mirrors, closed-circuit TV, and educational materials that aid child witnesses to testify at court.

How to Access the Centre

• You can arrive directly at the TCC at Galeshewe Day Hospital
• You can report to any police station and ask to be taken to the TCC
• Emergency services (ambulance) can transport you to the TCC
• There is no cost for any TCC services

Who They Serve

Any person (woman, man, girl, or boy) who has been raped or sexually assaulted, including survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other forms of GBV. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge.

Operated By

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) – SOCA Unit, in partnership with: - Northern Cape Department of Health - South African Police Service (SAPS) - Department of Social Development - Department of Justice

NPA Head Office Contact

NPA SOCA Unit: 012 845 6000 NPA Northern Cape Cluster Manager: Adv. Molaudi Moeketsi — 053 807 4546