The Northern Cape GBVF Walkabout capacity-building session took place at the Piet Tolle Community Hall in Rosedale, Upington, this week. The event aimed to highlight the efforts made by men in the SAPS in combating gender-based violence and femicide.
THE NORTHERN Cape GBVF Walkabout capacity-building session, led by Major-General Jonny Besnaar, the John Taolo Gaetsewe district commissioner, took place at the Piet Tolle Community Hall in Rosedale, Upington, this week. The event aimed to highlight the efforts made by men in the South African Police Service (SAPS) in combating gender-based violence and femicide.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock reported that the event on September 27 was attended by male representatives from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Correctional Services, and SAPS officials from across the Province.
The programme began with an opening prayer by Constable Goitseone Mpona, followed by a welcoming address from Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Mkontwana. Senior State prosecutor Alex Tyres from the NPA in Upington delivered a message of support, emphasising the rights and responsibilities of men in addressing and preventing gender-based violence.
Sergeant Lucky Malepe of the Upington Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, along with Warrant Officer Mosetle Sekopane from SAPS Employee Health and Wellness, delivered impactful messages on the dangers of GBV. They urged attendees to uphold the law, break the silence, and end the scourge of gender-based violence-related crimes.
In his keynote address, Major-General Besnaar reminded the men to adhere to the law and the SAPS Code of Conduct to effectively combat GBVF. He also condemned discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community within and outside the SAPS.
The session concluded with operational duties, including vehicle and foot patrols at the Kalahari Mall, taxi ranks and the Upington CBD. The day ended with mass blue light patrols in Louisvaleweg, Upington.
