The Randfontein Police started their 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign on Diamond Street, Toekomsrus on Wednesday, 25 November.
The Randfontein Police’s Communication Department along with volunteers from the Victim Friendly Centre, the Department of Social Development, Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM), gender-based violence brigades, Community Policing Forum (CPF), CoGTA, the Sankofa Rehabilitation Centre, DA Women’s Network, patrollers and members of the community of Toekomsrus spread the word about the campaign.
According to Sergeant Carmen Hendricks, Randfontein Police spokesperson, 1 000 pamphlets were distributed to let those affected know that they are not alone and that support is available at the Randfontein Police’s Victim Friendly Centre.
She further stated they have to promote a culture where there is zero tolerance for GBV.
Don’t suffer in silence,” Sergeant Hendricks said.
She added that they had sent out messages about substance abuse, GBV, domestic violence-related cases, bullying, human trafficking, crime-prevention safety tips and road safety.
In addition, the Randfontein Police station commander, Brigadier Mashole Jacob Manamela as well as the Vispol Head, Colonel Rand Thai Makgatho and the founder of Sankofa Rehabilitation Centre for drugs and alcohol abuse, Rashida Abrahams, went to show their support to families in Toekomsrus who lost their loved ones to GBV.
A yellow ribbon was placed on the gates of those families in remembrance of those who lost their lives,” Hendricks said.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has called on every South African to join hands and collaborate in eradicating the scourge of violence perpetuated against women and children.