VUT launches Victim Empowerment Centre

VANDERBIJLPARK.- To improve safety in the higher learning institution and its sorrounding areas, the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibulo launched a Victim Empowerment Centre at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) on Friday. Mazibuko appealed to all stakeholders to fight gender-based violence (GBV) and added that no victims and cases will be left unattended. “A victim should not open a criminal case and later attempt to withdrawn it. Our caring government has put money aside to fight gender-based violence (GBV) and victimization.” Calling about 16 members of staff at the centre to parade at the podium, she said young people are the ones to hold up the pillars of the country. “More students were reported to have been kidnapped and raped and we will make sure that such victims are getting assistance. Gauteng is one of the hotspots of GBV and that needs to be stopped. Rapist are the cowards as they target vulnerable victims.” Mazibuko said that Gauteng Premier, David Makhuau has rolled over victim empowerment centres before in the Sedibeng region, but that this was a first of its kind. Executive Mayor of Sedibeng District Municipality, Busi Modisakeng appealed to all mothers to start protecting their children (both genders) from abusive partners. “Let’s not allow the abuses to take advantage of our beauty,” said Modisakeng. Vanderbijlpark Police Station Commander, Brigadier Nikiwe Hoaeane said that prevention starts with community.