A gender-based violence awareness campaign led by Duduza SAPS was arranged after several rape cases were reported, especially within the John Dube Village area.
Joined by police members from different station areas, the Duduza SAPS partnered with various stakeholders, including the Department of Community Safety, CPF patrollers, the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, the Men and Women as safety Promoters as well as LifeLine and Ebandla Men’s Forum.
“The primary objective of the campaign was to sensitise the community of John Dube about high-risk areas where criminals would take advantage and attack them,” said Harry Manaka, spokesperson of Duduza SAPS.
“A footpath was identified as being preferred by the residents compared to the main road to reach or exit the area. Many reasons for using this path were put forward, such as getting to the clinic and internet café faster.”
The police walked and demonstrated to the community just how easy it would be for criminals to harm them when walking along the footpath and warned them to avoid walking alone in the day and especially at night.
The stakeholders engaged with the local councillor to assist in cutting the grass to reduce the risk and space for criminals to act in the area.
The campaign also saw stakeholders going door to door in the areas of Masechaba and Bluegumview, alerting and empowering the community about services available and also encouraged people not to look away when acts of Gender-Based-Violence are committed.
