#EldosBreakingDShackles giving victims a voice, Eldos

The launch of #EldosBreakingDShackles campaign in a packed hall at the ‘Blue School’ in the Main Road on November 26 went off without a hitch. The South African Police Services (SAPS) delegation from national level took to the stage and reiterated that any crimes against women and children would not be tolerated.

The contingent echoed similar sentiments and railed against the prevailing crime statistics which have become synonymous with the Eldorado Park community. SAPS are advocating a ‘back to basics’ approach which seeks to address the societal ills gnawing away at the community by addressing issues within our homes before they escalate and spread.

Echoing a call from sectors within the community, SAPS delegates expressed a desire to expand the 16 Days of Activism campaign to one where we protect our women and children 365 days of the year through closer collaboration with the police and residents.

Families of those who have died as a result of violence inflicted upon them were in attendance and the event took a sombre turn as candles were lit in memory of the victims of violence in the community. The police commended the Local Drug Action Committee for their efforts in ensuring that services are brought to residents during this campaign and provided every assurance that police should not turn away residents because the offence is considered an old one.

Plans are under way to take this model to other areas in South Africa in a bid to stem the tide of crime in our country. SAPS have embraced the hash tag ‘crime must fall’ and are working towards eradicating violent crimes in highly affected areas.

This week sees LDAC and various other stakeholders within the community taking much needed services to the people through face-to face interaction to rebuild rapport once held between SAPS and residents of Eldorado Park.

Anti-drug activist Dereleen James also took to the podium to thank SAPS and brigadier Pieter van Dyk in particular, for their continuing efforts in creating a safe environment for our women and children.

Those screams which go unheard and the cowering child protectively warding off blows may soon become a thing of the past and Eldos may yet become a place residents can call their own in the aftermath of the #EldosBreakingDShackles campaign.

More pictures can be viewed in the gallery below :

Also Read

#EldosBreakingDShackles service delivery blitz on course, Eldos

LDAC plans to launch 16 Days of Activism, Eldos

12 year old gets shot by 14 year old friend