Kwa-Thema – The golfing community in the greater Springs area in collaboration with One Strong Voice Foundation handed their memorandum of grievances to the Springs police on Wednesday.
This was part of International Social Justice Day, which was commemorated on Monday.
The day seeks to promote social justice and solidarity among nations and dialogue on pertinent issues affecting human social security and justice.
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Golfer Pule Malefane said the campaign is to build momentum and awareness on issues of social injustice meted out against women and children in the community.
“We are voicing our frustration and disappointment in how issues of gender-based violence against women, in particular, are handled by the police.
“Many of these cases do not pass the test of time in the courts due to several issues which include poor training of the police, unprofessionalism, poor investigation of cases, lack of empathy and bad attitude.
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“We are also concerned about the lack of willingness to protect the witnesses and the inadequate resources and support,” added Malefane.
The golfer added that they believe much can be done to improve the police services as there can never be a justifiable reason why women are subjected to brutal killings.
“Government spends millions of rands to ensure the citizen’s safety. We are the parents and residents who are equally affected by the ongoing violence against women, enough is enough,” he added.
They are demanding the following:
• Any police officer suspected of promoting chauvinism and gender discrimination be removed from the station
• All cases of gender-based violence be given priority
• Victims and witnesses of gender-based violence be afforded adequate support and protection
• Any officer seen to be fraternising and befriending suspected perpetrators of gender-based violence be subjected to disciplinary process.
• The station commander to increase administrative capacity in the station to ensure the backlog of cases is reduced.
