EFF hands memorandum to SAPS about GBV concerns

The memorandum that was handed over on Friday, May 7 is regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and crimes against women which is a huge concern to the EFF.

May 14, 2021

Chrisune Vermeulen 2 minutes read

An approved march by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has taken the streets towards the Witbank Police Station to hand over a memorandum to Station Commander Brigadier Sifiso Cele.

The memorandum that was handed over on Friday, May 7 is regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and crimes against women which is a huge concern to the EFF.

“We marched to the station because of gender-based violence (GBV) issues that are not taken seriously by the authorities. A victim was raped and she went to the police station but was informed there was no transport available to take her to the hospital. She waited there for hours on end and got tired, hungry and left to go home. The day after, she went back just to hear that the case could not be opened due to a lack of evidence,” Nkangala Regional coordinator of the Gender-Based-violence (GBV) desk, Ms Dimakatso Phaahlamoraswi told WITBANK NEWS.

On the day of handing over the memorandum, it was alleged that most women are showed away if they go to the station to report domestic violence.

“The reason that these victims are sent back home is due to officers telling them to work on their marriage and problems, although you can see how badly bruised they are,” Phaahlamoraswi added.

According to the marchers, Witbank Police Station is the start of an investigation in regards to these crimes.

“We report crimes to SAPS because they are the people that need to help us women but unfortunately do not always get assistance. We are tired of the lazy police in our communities,” Phaahlamoraswi concluded.

Sation commander of Witbank police Brigadier Sifuso Cele said that all the requests that were made on the memorandum is currently been addressed and are receiving attention from Witbank SAPS management.

Brigadier Cele further stated that gender-based violence is a national priority which is addresses also daily by members and management of Witbank Police Station.

Brigadier Cele emphasised that the ministerial six-point plan on gender-based violence are being communicated and implemented at the station.

He Cele by saying that victims of gender-based violence will receive the following service delivery at the police station:

1) Victim’s will be treated with respect and dignity and interviewed by a trained police officer in a victim sensitive manner.
2) Victims will be assisted in a victim-friendly or alternative room, where a statement will be taken in private providing victim support services.
3) Victims will be referred/taken for medical examination by the healthcare professional to obtain medical evidence and complete a medical report, including seeing to the health of the victim.
4) The investigation will be conducted by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigation Unit or a detective with relevant training.
5) Victims of sexual offences, femicide and infanticide and their families will be referred to victim support services that are available within the precinct for legal, medical, social and psychological help.
6) Victims will be proactively and continuously given feedback on the progress of their cases.

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