Provincial Commissioner’s Imbizo strengthen the fight against gender-based violence and femicide – SAPS Crime Report: 2021-12-11 10:39:15

South African Police Service

Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

MODIMOLLE – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe supported by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety Mrs Mavhungu Lerole-Ramakhanya, the Mayor of Modimolle-Mokgophong Local Municipality Councilor Mrs Van Staden, hosted the Community Imbizo against the Gender Based Violence and Femicide at Jasper Sports Ground, Phagameng Extension 13 in the Modimolle policing of the Waterberg District, today on Friday 10 December 2021, from 09h00.

In attendance, was the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Policing Major General Jan Scheepers, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Corporate Services Major General Christine Morakaladi, the Provincial Heads, District Commissioners, Station Commanders of the Waterberg District, Area Commissioner of the Correctional Services Mrs Lydia Mamabolo, the Acting HOD for the Department of Transport and Community Safety Mr Mangena, Kgoshi Mahlangu on behalf of the Limpopo house of Traditional Leaders, the GBV Survivor, the Department of Justice, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Department of Social Development, Saps members from various Stations, and Units, the Y-COP, CPF, the Religious Community and members of the community in general.

Before the start of the main event, the MEC, the Provincial Commissioner and their entourage, held a briefing session at Weesgerus Holiday Resort outside Modimolle CBD. Major General Manala, presented the crime overview for Waterberg District. Following the presentation, the MEC pointed out some of the factors that need to be prioritised when dealing with crime in the townships such as, strengthening the community based crime prevention structures.

After the briefing, the entourage moved to Jasper Sports Ground, where the MEC, the Provincial Commissioner and other stakeholders, engaged with community members as they educate them about the importance of facing head-on the Gender Based Violence and Femicide elements in our society in an integrated approach.

The Provincial Commissioner, rendered the purpose of the event where she started by condemning the mob attacks and killing incidents in which some community members displays an impatience and distrust in the justice system and that will lead to them being labelled as criminals and get arrested. She called upon community members to stand bold and report incidents of the Gender Based Violence and Femicides as they happen.

“Do not look away, report to the police immediately, do not allow lives to be lost under your watch, “If Police are dragging their feet while dealing with your cases, report them to my office” said General Hadebe.She further pleaded with the community to comply with the COVID-19 protocols during this festive season. She concluded by reminding parents and guardians to monitor their children’s movements to keep them safe at all times.

Stakeholders from various Government Departments and Community structures including the National Prosecuting Authority, Community Police Forum and the Department of Justice, advised community members to report any form of abuse especially the Gender Based Violence as well as Domestic Violence incidents to the Police. Ms Phala, a GBV Survivor who is a rape victim, directed her concern to the parents who fail to play a vital role into the upbringing of their children. She said, “as a parent, you should remember that, your child is your reflection.”

The Community members were given a chance to raise their concerns about crime in their area and to as well ask questions to the leadership. The questions and inputs were all received and acknowledged by the Provincial Commissioner.

During her keynote address, the MEC said, “Let’s break the silence and report all the abusers to the Police so that they can intervene and protect us.” She also advised community members to report all criminal activities and avoid buying the second hands goods without receipts. She called upon brothers and fathers to act now and protect children, sisters and mothers.

As she concluded, she said, “Let us make education fashionable and be the educated society with morals.”

The Saps Brass Band and several other local cultural groups, entertained the audience with melodious music throughout the duration of the event.

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