The Actonville SAPS station commander Col Elsie Mashinini urges women especially those who have been victims of gender-based violence (GBV) to break the silence and report all incidents to the police.
The station recently conducted a crime prevention operation and they also handed out pamphlets to the public, one-on-one talks were conducted to relay information as well as important messages on the dangers of GBV and domestic violence.
The intention behind this initiative was to increase the level of awareness among the general public on the different forms of violence women are subjected to and unpacking the concept of GBV.
The station will continue with its awareness campaigns until the end of August.
Mashinini said they also advised the community that when they witness GBV incidents, they should be reported immediately to the police before it’s too late to help victims.
“Domestic violence cases have increased now that the alcohol ban has been lifted. However, the challenge is that some of these sheebens don’t even adhere to the regulations,” she said.
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“Some of the steps that we have taken is that when someone opens a domestic violence case, we arrest the perpetrator immediately but when the case goes to court the victims withdraw the cases then we lose some of these cases because of that.”
She said they always advise the victims to apply for a protection order which will prevent the reoccurrence of domestic violence or sexual harassment by stating what conduct the alleged offender must refrain from doing.
As long as he or she complies with the protection order, the victim will be safe.
The station’s designated firearms officer, Sgt Mbali Luthuli, said when victims don’t have anywhere else to go, they have a Victim Empowerment Centre at the station and they can always find them a place of safety.
Counselling is also offered and more information is available to victims of GBV.
“This Women’s Month, we encourage women not to keep quiet. When you open a case don’t withdraw it, make sure that the perpetrator goes to jail. We are aware that most women depend on men hence they don’t want to get them arrested but they must remember that even if that is the case they still deserve to be treated with love and respect,” said Mashinini.
“We also encourage men to open domestic violence cases when they are victims.”
Actonville SAPS spokesperson Sgt Godin Nyathi said social-economic problems led most women to withdraw the cases.
“Hence, we recommend the protection order so that both parties can go to court and they get to deliberate on the issue and when the suspect violates the protection drastic steps will be taken,” he said.
Luthuli said they also conduct school visits to educate the children about the different types of abuse and what they can do should they find themselves in those situations.
The station commander added that crime is manageable in the area. However, they still have a challenge when it comes to illegal mining, drugs, hijackings, and various crimes occurring at Actonville Hostel.
Nyathi said they have experienced an increase in cases of hijackings. Most of the incidents occur at night when people are sitting in their vehicles with friends or a girlfriend.
“People must stop sitting in or using their cellphone in your car at night, when you’re checking up on your girlfriend rather pick her up and go park at the garage instead. It is much safer there and we urge residents to take note of this warning,” he said.
Anyone who has information on any crime-related incidents can alert the police on 011 964 6000 or crime stop 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
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