Men and women in blue spent the last Sunday of August with the community at Glen Marikana informal settlement, on Dann Road, Glen Marais. The visit by Kempton Park SAPS members was well received by community members.
Capt Jethro Mtshali, the spokesperson for Kempton Park SAPS, explained that the initiative was part of Operation Basadi that was run throughout August.
“It is now the end of Women’s Month and we just thought to make a turn at the settlement today and give back to the community,” Mtshali told Express on the day.
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Mtshali also explained that a similar programme was held last year during the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Abuse.
“We also wanted to get feedback from the community about the success of the previous visit and intervention methods,” said Mtshali.
Members of the CPF and POWA also joined the visit and engaged with community members.
Col Motsatsi Lesomo, head of support at the Kempton Park SAPS, also motivated the residents.
“Thank you for allowing us to return to engage with you again,” Lesomo said while addressing those present.
“Though we are concluding Women’s Month through Operation Basadi today, we need to always remember that the message and stance against gender-based violence (GBV) remains the same.
“The fight against GBV doesn’t end when August ends, it continues throughout the year and we need our communities to help spread the message and fight this crime. Together, we can.”
Working together was the same sentiment shared by one of the community leaders, Albert Thosago, and EFF Ward 16 chairperson, Jonas Kekana, who addressed men to not be perpetrators of GBV.
Residents were also encouraged to report crimes to the SAPS.
Andrew Mosesi, CPF’s district chairperson, also explained the role CPF plays in communities. He also re-introduced some of the patrollers of that area.
“The patrollers in front of you are very important and play a vital role. They work on the ground and have helped with so many cases. Some of them you know as they come from the same community and are your neighbours,” said Mosesi.
“Where are the men in the community? Because as you can see, most of them are women, we also need you men to join our forum and become patrollers.”
Mosesi also taught children about important matters and raising awareness through songs that the children quickly learnt.
Members of a local security company were also present to assist the owner, Leo Yao, donate to the initiative.
He donated 2 000 loaves of bread, 40 000 refuse bags and 15 000 masks.
“Things have been hard since the beginning of the pandemic and now, more people are without jobs as a result,” said Yao.
“We work on the ground, work with people and we see that some go without food for days, which is very sad. We just wanted to do and help with the little that we can.”
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