SAPS hold crime awareness campaign

The Edenvale Social Crime Prevention Unit joined forces with the Sebenza Youth Desk members as well as Edenvale Community Policing Forum (CPF) to conduct a crime awareness campaign.

The campaign was held at Greenstone Shopping Centre on August 5.

Acting chairperson of the Sebenza Youth Desk, Malessa Mahlangu said this was done to mark the start of Women’s Month.

“It was important to mark the start of Women’s Month because we want to create awareness about gender based violence,” she said.

Sgt Jacob Mashile of Edenvale SAPS said domestic violence and violence against women and children was a serious matter that needs everyone’s attention.

“The killing of Karabo Mokoena inspired us to conduct this awareness campaign. It is important for the woman to know their partners and know what kind of personalities they have and how they behave in different settings,” said Mashile.

He said it is also important for women to introduce their partners to family and friends.

“As August is Women’s Month it is our aim, as police, to do what we can to ensure the safety of women in this country. ‘Wathint’abafazi, wathint’imbokodo – when you strike a woman, you strike a rock’,” said Mashile.

Mrs Commonwealth finalist, Palesa Phiri also took part in the awareness.

“I was invited by Mashile to partner with the Youth Desk. I am very impressed with our youth because they are passionate about the community. For me, it was important to get involved because I believe that in order for the country to prosper, one must do what they can to help those around them,” said Palesa.