WATCH: Young Men’s Guild march against gender-based violence

THE Clerpine Circuit 708 Young Men’s Guild in the Pinetown District have committed to respect and protect the rights of the vulnerable in the community, especially women and children. This was declared by the group in their peaceful march from the Pinetown Civic Centre to the Pinetown Police Station on Saturday, August 12.

According to the Young Men’s Guild, the march was to highlight the plight, agony and distress of all South Africans due to the ever-escalating brutal killing of particularly women and children – to call on the National Department of Police and the South African government in general to put an end to these criminal aggressors.

Also read: SPAR donates towards fight against gender-based violence

“Given the high rate of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa – 969 women and 245 children were murdered  in the fourth quarter – the country has become one of the most dangerous countries for women and children to live in,” said the group.

In their memorandum handed over to the Pinetown Police Station, the Young Men’s Guild wrote a message to the police minister, pleading with the office to:

– Ensure that all police stations and satellite stations have a sufficient supply of rape kits
– Prioritise gender-based violence cases by fast-tracking these cases and/or creating specialised units within the department that will strictly handle such cases
– Take action immediately when women report threats of violence against them
– Train officers on how to handle such matters and the general public that is faced with the trauma of gender-based violence (GBV).
– Root out corruption and criminal elements from within 10 police ranks in order to restore confidence in the criminal justice system
– Maintain visibility and allocate additional resources
– Combat crime in priority hotspot areas to establish community policing forums where they do not exist and to roll out community safety

Also read: MEC calls for fast-track of Mariannhill police station

The group said they appreciate and acknowledge the work that has been done by the government.

“We acknowledge that the government cannot do this alone. The Young Man’s Guild hereby commits itself to pray for peace and stability in our land, to pray for God’s strength and protection of all men and women in police uniform. To respect and protect the rights of the vulnerable in our community, especially women and children. To support the efforts of law enforcement agencies by exposing the perpetrators of crime and abuse in our families and communities. Offering psychological, emotional and spiritual support to the victims of violent crime and abuse,” they stated.

The memorandum was accepted by Lieutenant Zaied Soobrathi who acknowledged the men’s group for the way they conducted the march. He further said the station has a desk that specifically caters to GBV cases. Soobrathi said the memorandum will be forwarded to the higher ranks in the station.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.