NOORDWESTER – BIESIESVLEI - To eliminate violence particularly in vulnerable groups, the South African Police Service in partnership with the Community Police Forum (CPF), raised awareness on Thursday, 28 November at Extension 3 in Itekeng.
The Community in Blue Patrollers, Sector 2 Sub-Forum, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Love Life, New Beginnings Support Group, Tlotlang Bagodi Service Club, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Ward 20 Councillor Honourable Mazwi Moruri formed part of this project.
The event was officially opened by a word of prayer by a member of CPF, Moikabi Nyakgosi, followed by the Chairperson Pogiso Dinana who welcomed attendees.
Alidah Rakgotla from the District Board outlined the purpose of the gathering, and highligted the theme of 2024: ‘Time to act now’. Rakgotla said the campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December annually and urged the community not to adhere to the concept of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) only during the stipulated time frame, but to unite and act against all forms of violence as the statistics state that every 11 minutes around the globe, one woman is killed.
Sergeant Mpho Setlhare SAPS Communication Officer presented a talk on domestic violence and Mosimanegape Mosadi from New Beginnings Support Group informed the attendees about substance abuse. Mothusi Moale from the Department of Health unpacked men’s health and the benefits of a healthy diet and Mathapelo Senokwane addressed youth empowerment. Nelly Shashape gave insight on the subject of GBVF and Seki Serole educated the group about elderly abuse.
The Ward Councillor and Aupanyana Methi, the Community Development Worker, rendered the message of support and participants were also granted an opportunity to engage with the presenters.
On behalf of the Station Commander, Sergeant Lebogang Modise, the Acting Visible Policing Commander, thanked everyone for their presence and contributions in making the event a success. He said, “As stakeholders and role-players we should strengthen our relationship in order to eradicate crime.”
