Germiston’s abused women have a place to go

Women across the Germiston policing cluster now have a safe haven to go to.

During a special Women’s Month function, held at the Germiston Police Station, on Thursday, a shelter for victims of domestic violence was opened by Germiston cluster commander Brig Phumla Mdlankomo.

The safe house will serve as a temporary shelter for women and children who have been victims of any type of abuse.

It can accommodate five people at a time.

Communications officer for the Germiston SAPS WO André de Jager said: “This was an initiative from our cluster commander Brig Phumla Mdlankomo.

“She wanted a safe place where women across the Germiston cluster could be accommodated, no matter what time of the night.”

The women will be helped at the shelter until they can be placed in a government institution or have made other arrangements.

The revamp of the old policemen’s quarters was taken on by local businessman Nacer Kaci.

He said: “I find the Germiston police very helpful and, in return, I wanted to help them.

“When they approached me to sponsor the project I said I would do it with pleasure.

“I feel I must also give back to people.”

The opening of the shelter formed part of the Germiston cluster’s Women’s Month function.

The event was attended by station commanders from all the stations in the Germiston cluster, as well as from other police stations.

The women from across the cluster dressed up in various costumes to add to the fun of the event and the day was enjoyed by all who attended.

In her address to the women, Mdlankomo said: “In whatever you do, start thinking about yourself first, before other people.

“This will help you to care for others in return.

“Women must love themselves and we must know and support one another.”