Residents march against gender-based violence
“It is worrisome that the police and everyone knows about the evil deeds that happen in that hotel but it is still operating. We want it shut down,” he says.
KwaThema – Thousands of residents braved the scorching heat to march against gender-based violence to the Springs Police Station.
The objective of the march was to hand over a memorandum of their grievances to the police from three police stations in Tsakane, KwaThema and Duduza.
The march was organised by local foundations that included One Strong Voice Foundation, Refiloe and Thuto Foundation, Thabang Xaba Foundation, Resurrect Foundation, Springs PCO and Hlase Mpho Foundation.
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The organisers had planned to hand over the memorandum to the police minister, Bheki Cele, but he could not make it to the march and it was handed over to Springs Police Brig Thembeka Qwebushe.
In the memorandum that was read to the police and the community by Queen Mlangeni, they aimed to challenge the escalating crime rate, which has resulted in the abuse and killing of women and children.
Members of the foundation made reference to some of the criminal cases that stood out locally, including that of Amahle Thabethe, who went missing in April, the murders of Ayanda Similane, Mamse Mine, Ntokozo Ginya and Kagiso Skosana and the rape of Lungelo Savoyi.
Mlangeni explained that the campaign will take place in different forms and she urged the community to rally and fight against the killing of women, the rape of children and the molestation of young boys.
“The Men’s Forum must engage with the communities to devise a plan that will ensure that women and children are protected.
“Each street must have a contact point where police and other members of the community will be mobilised to ward off threats from our community.
“Community member must embark on a know-your-neighbour campaign so that strangers cannot be allowed in,” she adds.
Kgotso Powe, a representative of the ANC in KwaThema, demanded that the Springs Hotel be shut down immediately.
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Educate your children about safety
“That place is known for selling drugs and prostitution. Young women are introduced to drugs and their lives are ruined in that filthy place.
“It is worrisome that the police and everyone knows about the evil deeds that happen in that hotel but it is still operating. We want it shut down,” he says.
Springs Brig Gwebushe Thembeka accepted the memorandum and promised to attend to their grievances.
“We will go through the memorandum and revert to the community and families affected within 21 days.
“We are urging residents to help us fight gender-based violence. We will not be able to topple this monster without the help of the community.
“As the community, we know these perpetrators, they live within our communities.
“Let us be a brother’s keeper so that when we see strangers walking away with a child we interrogate them immediately,” she adds.
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