The police in the Northern Cape wrapped up activities for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
THE PROVINCIAL Victim Empowerment Task Team, consisting of various departments, conducted a week-long 16 Days of Activism awareness programme in Breipaal, Douglas last week.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Captain Bashoabile Kale said Siyacuma was identified as a hot-spot for gender-based violence in the Pixley ka Seme District.
Kale said a sports day was held at the Breipaal sports ground, where soccer and netball teams comprising of LGBTIQ+ members competed against each other.
“The focus on the LGBTIQ+ was spurred by the violence meted out on these members in our communities. A Miss and Mr LGBTIQ+ beauty contest and musical talent search was also held.”
Kale added that community dialogues were held where it emerged that victims did not report cases as they relied financially on the perpetrators due to high unemployment levels in the area.
“The Siyacuma municipal mayor Wim van der Berg committed to renovate all sport grounds in Douglas and pleaded with the youth not to vandalise these facilities. He promised to look into the idea of a youth multipurpose centre in Douglas but advised that it would not happen overnight.”
Kale stated that this pilot programme would also be rolled out to other districts.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children activities were wrapped up in De Aar over the weekend, Where warrant Officer Booysen from the De Aar SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit raised awareness about gender-based violence.
Police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana said community members were informed about the implications of witness intimidation, especially when it involved sexual offence cases.
The Upington FCS unit, in conjunction with other SAPS stations, units and external role-players, held a roadblock on Friday on the road between Keimoes and Upington to mark the closure of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Captain Sergo Kock said the Upington and Rosedale SAPS, Border Police, the ZF Mcgawu District Office, Provincial Traffic and Home Affairs interacted with motorists and relayed safety tips to them and also focused on topics such as sexual assault, family violence and child neglect.
“The team stopped and searched 277 vehicles and the dangers of gender-based violence was the topic of discussion during the activity.”
The FCS unit in Delportshoop handed over food and gifts to the elderly to mark the end of the 16 Days of Activism on December 10.
The unit commander of the Galeshewe FCS, Lieutenant-Colonel Marli Strydom, meanwhile urged women not to withdraw cases involving sexual offences.
