The police in the Northern Cape, alongside key partners, hosted several awareness and fund-raising events, including a fun run and an 8km Colour Walk, to raise awareness about gender-based violence and femicide, support victims, and highlight the SAPS’s commitment to creating safer communities.
THE ZF MGCAWU District police, in partnership with the Department of Social Development, Bopanang GBV Centre, Fearless Child Organisation, Thuthuzela Care Centre, and the Community Policing Forum (CPF), recently participated in a fun walk and run event to raise awareness and funds for victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The initiative, led by district commissioner Major-General Monica Sebili, also provided a platform for each organisation to showcase their services and share information on how the community can access support. This collaborative effort aimed to bring attention to GBVF while offering tangible resources to those in need.
The 20 participants who crossed the finish line at the event were awarded bronze, silver, and gold medals.
ZF Mgcawu police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, emphasised that the event was designed to highlight the police’s dedication to addressing gender-based violence.
“This event demonstrates the SAPS’s commitment to combating GBVF and supporting victims,” said Masegela.
In a related event held in Kimberley, the Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, led an 8km Colour Walk in Galeshewe. The walk, which started at the Galeshewe police station and ended at the Yorkshire Cricket Grounds, was also aimed at raising awareness and promoting collective action against gender-based violence and femicide.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers highlighted that the initiative also supported House Rehoboth, a safe haven for victims of gender-based violence.
“Lieutenant-General Otola pledged the commitment of the SAPS, along with other departments, to create a safer environment for all, particularly women, children, and vulnerable groups. Gender-based violence and femicide is a pandemic that affects us all, regardless of our background, culture, or socio-economic status. It requires a collective response and, as the SAPS, we are committed to playing our part,” said Ehlers.
She added that all funds raised during the initiative were donated to House Rehoboth, reinforcing the commitment to support victims of domestic violence-related crimes.
The SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to policing crimes against vulnerable members of society with vigour and ensuring that victims receive justice.
