Malvern SAPS pledge to support activism campaign
White ribbons were presented to staff and residents.
SAPS Malvern launched its 16 Days of Activism for non-violence against women and children campaign with a candle-lighting ceremony and signing of pledges.
“The ceremony was launched by station commander, Lt–Col Valerine Reddy, who opened the ceremony by way of a speech on the significance of sixteen days of activism,” stated W/O Coporate Communication Officer, Radhika Marimuthu.The ceremony was attended by senior officers, Captain Manu Govender, Captain Patricia Koobair, W/O Robert Manyoni.
White ribbons were presented to staff and residents. “The pledge was read out by the station commander and thereafter signed by her, members of the police and members of the community,” added W/O Marimuthu.The station has several events planned at schools, old age homes and informal settlements all focusing on domestic violence issues, crimes against women and children and general safety hints regarding gender crimes.
“Wednesday, 25 November marked the start of the campaign and was declared the start of the international day for non-violence against women at the first Feminist Enceuentro for Latin America and the Caribbean held in Bogota, Columbia in 1981,” she said. The 16 days campaign has been used to create a global movement to raise awareness to address policy and legal issues, to campaign for the protection of survivors of violence and to petition for the elimination of gender violence.
November 25 was chosen to commemorate the death of the Maribal sisters in 1960 under the dictatorship of Rafeal Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. This day was chosen by the united nations in 1999 as the international day for the elimination of violence against women. “SAPS Malvern pledges to supports 16 Days of Activism not only for the 16 days but beyond,” she added.
“The Malvern SAPS views all crimes against women, children and vulnerable groups in a serious light,” stated station commander, Lt-Col Valerine Reddy.
