Businesses and SAPS working together to fight women and children abuse
“We need to go back to the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child' and really help children who are in need."
“It’s important for businesses to work together with the police.”
As a garage, we interact with the community on a daily base and we wanted to educate them and create awareness. Violence against women and children is not a 16 Days campaign only issue. It’s an everyday issue and we would like to help the police to fight crime as a business,” said Total Darras owner Kedisaletse Baloyi.
Also read: Jeppe SAPS to hold imbizo
An event to encourage community involvement in combating violence against women and children during this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign was held in conjunction with Jeppe SAPS, CPF and the Department of Social Development.
Also read: Meet Sgt Patric Tefu from Jeppe SAPS
“We have been working with the garage for years and they support initiatives of fighting crime in the area. We are pleased to know there are businesses in the area willing to fight crime and we invite others to join them because together we can make a difference,” said Jeppe CPF chairperson Zola Dambula.
Jeppe patrollers together with Jeppe SAPS and CPF interacted with shoppers at Darras Centre encouraging them to be become active participants in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children.
“We need to go back to the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and really help children who are in need. If you suspect a child is being abused say something, do something. We need to acknowledge that such violence is not only a police problem but a community issue,” said Jeppe SAPS spokesperson Richard Munyai.
The issue of case withdrawal was also addressed by Sgt Patrick Tefu.
“Withdrawing a case does not assist in addressing the abuse problems. But we understand why victims can be scared to open cases against the perpetrator. We would like to encourage victims to come to the police station even if they are not going to open a case. We have support and can offer counselling,” said Tefu.
The Department of Social Development also spoke about the programme; they have to address social ills that can lead to abuse.
“We are proud to see private-public participation in fighting crime. As the department of safety, we encourage residents, businesses and the SAPS to work together. We need to create safe zones and the only way to do that is for us to take the responsibility to fight crime,” said community police relation co-ordinator Thabo Thipe.
Donations from the community and Total Darras garage were also given to Bienvenu Shelter For Refugee Women and their children.
The shelter is based in Bertrams and was established in 1895 as a response to the large immigration influx.
For more news and interesting articles, like Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
The team that made the day possible.
