Tsakani – Virgins (amatsitsi) in Tsakani marched from Ext 19 to Mponeng Park chanting songs and messages discouraging gender-based violence last Thursday.
Dressed in their cultural clothes, the young women aimed to raise awareness of sexual offences and human trafficking.
The initiative was made possible by members of SAPS, CPF, the crime prevention youth desk, patrollers and the Department of Community Safety.
Officials from the crisis centre also created awareness about gender-based violence, sexual offences and human trafficking.
ALSO READ: Police search for two gunmen
Tsakani police spokesperson Sergeant Lerato Mngomezulu said with the rate of sexual violence and human trafficking in the country, they decided on this campaign to educate young people.
“It is important for young people to know what is sexual violence, abuse and human trafficking.
“We also encouraged the young people to report any criminal activities they may witness in the community,” she added.
During the campaign, residents were encouraged to support and protect the children and were educated about all social ills.
ALSO READ: 16-year-old arrested for stealing later grandfather’s gun
Tsakani SAPS station commander Colonel Khumbulani Mbatha applauded the event organisers for taking the lead in fighting crime in the area.
“We need the support of the community to be able to fight crime in the area, as the police we cannot win the fight against crime working as an island.
“Such events show that the police are committed to strengthening the partnership with different stakeholders and the community at large to fight crime,” he said.
Mbatha urged young people to share information and recruit their peers to become their positive initiatives before they are recruited by criminals.
