JMPD and EMS departments conduct all-female roadblock on Women’s D
MILPARK – Members then proceeded to conduct a candle-lighting and prayer session on Grayston Drive for those who had lost their lives to Covid-19.
Female public safety employees from JMPD and EMS departments joined hands to show support for members of the public by conducting Covid-19, gender-based violence, road safety and vaccination drive awareness campaigns on Women’s Day.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla explained that the all-female contingent began the day by conducting a roadside check on the Grayston Drive and M1 off-ramp in Sandton.
WOMEN’S MONTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN @CoJPublicSafety officials are today conducting an awareness campaign for #WomensDay focused on the Vaccination Drive, Road Safety, Gender Based Violence & Covid-19 protocols throughout the @CityofJoburgZA#WeServeJoburg #JoburgCares pic.twitter.com/GDGC3IO8FQ
— Jo'burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) August 9, 2021
Members at the roadblock interacted with both motorists and pedestrians regarding issues of road safety, Covid-19 protocols, gender-based violence and encouraged locals to get vaccinated.
“While we are not forcing anyone to get vaccinated, we are encouraging people to get the vaccine since this is the best chance we have at reducing severe illness,” said Fihla.
Members then proceeded to conduct a candle-lighting and prayer session on Grayston Drive for those who had lost their lives to Covid-19.
The female employees then travelled to hospitals including Edenvale Hospital, Netcare Milpark Hospital, Mulbarton Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital where they conducted other candle-lighting and prayer sessions.
Candle lighting & prayer session for people that are currently admitted in hospitals & those at home fighting the battle against Covid-19 at Milpark, Chris Hani Baragwanath, Edenvale & Mulbarton Hospitals.#WeServeJoburg #SaferJoburg #WomensMonth2021 #WomensDay2021 #JoburgCares pic.twitter.com/J1j0EqMz6Z
— Jo'burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) August 9, 2021
Our deepest appreciation goes out to those who joined @CoJPublicSafety officials today as they prayed for people who are currently fighting & those who succumbed to Covid-19. May Their Souls Rest In Peace 🕊
👮🏾♀️👩🚒👮🏼♀️👩🏿🚒🚒🚔#WeServeJoburg #WomensMonth #WomensDay2021 #WomensMonth2021 pic.twitter.com/4u9ioxSuRW— Jo'burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) August 9, 2021
“We usually use Women’s Day to conduct campaigns concerning public safety, but this year when we saw the devastation that Covid-19 has caused for those in law enforcement and EMS, we knew it was important to also focus on this.”
“Many members have been infected with Covid-19, some have passed and others are still struggling with the virus, so we decided that it was important to pray for those in the hospitals and those who have already passed,” said Fihla.
He explained that the women-only roadblocks and campaigns will continue for the month of August.
Fihla encouraged other law enforcement agencies to join the future campaigns.