Empowerment of women in SAPS is ‘non-negotiable’, says police minister
This year's National Police Day was focused on celebrating the role of women in policing.
POLICE Minister, Bheki Cele said the South African Police Service (SAPS) has made significant inroads to promote women into managerial roles.
Cele made the remarks at this year’s National Police Day and further noted that female empowerment in the organisation is ‘non-negotiable and must be realised’.
“We salute those female trailblazers who, against all odds, demonstrated that women are more than up to the task to lead with integrity and excellence. Excellency comes to mind when I think about some of the many female police officers in our boardrooms, or those patrolling the streets,” said Cele.
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The minister also spoke on how women officers are expected to treat victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
“Treat them like you are their mother before you’re an officer. You don’t tell them to go back and negotiate because they will come for the first and second time, and when you don’t see them coming for the third time, they are dead,” he said.
“GBV and femicide is one thing that together [we] must put our shoulders to the wheel and make sure that we work harder.”
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