Hekpoort Police arrested a 29-year-old man for a domestic violence related incident on Sunday, 7 February.
“Gender-based violence (GBV) is an issue most people around the Hekpoort area face, but it is not reported because of the stigma,” said Sergeant Gloria Maswanganye, spokesperson for the Hekpoort Police.
Maswanganye explained that the man went to the complainant’s house and started swearing at her and her father.
“He even wanted to hit her in front of her father.”
The police were called and the man was arrested for domestic violence and for contravening the Disaster Management Act regulations as he failed to confine himself to his place of residence during curfew.
GBV can impact anyone regardless of their geographical location, socioeconomic background, race, religion, sexuality or gender identity, and it can also have serious physical, mental, economic and social repercussions.”
Maswanganye also said that gender-based violence can prevent survivors from achieving economical prosperity because of the stigma or physical and psychological trauma caused by the violence.
Captain Kgomotso Netshitangani, the Hekpoort Police station commander encourage any person who is a victim and who is experiencing gender-based violence related incidents to report it to the nearest police station.
Maswanganye said community members can also visit the Victim Empowerment Centre which is accessible at the police station. They offer a service where the dignity and rights of victims are protected.
The community can also report crimes anonymously by phoning the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or the Hekpoort Police number on 014 5769100. Alternatively make use of the My SAPS app.
