Officials visit 88-year-old rape survivor
The acting HOD lamented the surge of GBV cases in the province and called upon men to protect women and children
An 88-year-old Villa Liza woman who was sexually assaulted by a 23-year-old man in 2014 was visited by officials from the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and the Dawn Park police on August 21.
According to Dawn Park police spokesperson Const Nkemeleng Mabula, the suspect was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, but was recently released on parole.
Led by the acting HOD, Sipho Thanjekwayo, the visit was aimed at extending support to the families of victims and survivors of GBV in the Ekurhuleni policing precinct as part of a Women’s Month programme.
Accompanied by senior officers from the SAPS, members of faith-based organisations, officials from the Gauteng Department of Community Safety visited affected families in Villa Liza, Thokoza, Katlehong, Zonkizizwe and Eden Park.
Thanjekwayo updated victims on the developments in their cases or those involving their loved ones. Speaking at the elderly woman’s house, he said they were there to give hope.
The acting HOD lamented the surge of GBV cases in the province and called upon men to protect women and children.
“GBV has reached endemic proportions in Gauteng. There is a need to intensify strategies to combat violence against women and children as we observe Women’s Month,” he said.
He also urged the police to continue offering support to families of victims and survivors of GBV until justice is served.
“It is critical that the police continue to update the families of victims and survivors of GBV on the developments regarding the cases of their loved ones. This will go a long way in restoring the trust among the police and the communities in which they serve,” he added.
Officials then handed over a food parcel to the elderly woman, who accepted it with gratitude.
The visit culminated in a candle-lighting ceremony.
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