Sinoville SAPS in the north of Pretoria, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and local churches held a campaign to raise awareness around gender-based violence (GBV) over the Easter weekend.
The campaign saw members of the community come together on Saturday, 19 April, in prayer, honouring victims of crime, reflection, and collective commitment to creating a safer, more just society.
The event began with a 2.2km walk through Sinoville, marked by 14 prayer stations, symbolising different social challenges facing the area, from youth unemployment to GBV.
Each station addressed a different societal issue, with one specifically dedicated to prayer for the empowerment of women survivors of GBV.
Candles were lit in remembrance of GBV victims, with moments of silence observed to honour their lives and experiences.
Sinoville police Station Commander Colonel Gerald Witbooi urged the community to join hands and work together in the fight against GBV.
Social crime prevention and communication officer Sergeant Gomolemo Modibane said, “We cannot overcome this scourge alone. The police needs the community, faith-based organisations, and civil society to stand united.
“Every report made, every conversation started, every show of support, no matter how small, contributes to saving lives.”
MEC for the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, also spoke passionately at the event.
She stressed that GBV is a societal issue, not confined to a specific gender, noting that while most perpetrators are male, women too can be abusers.
“Gender-based violence is not tolerable and should never be normalised. It must be reported, and the victims must be supported,” she said.
Community members, many visibly moved by the campaign, echoed a call for more frequent events like these to keep the momentum going in the fight against GBV.
Modibane advised residents that if they experience GBV, they must report it immediately to their nearest police station or call the national GBV Command Centre at 0800 428 428.
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