BLOEMSPRUIT – A Domestic Violence Act and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Awareness march has commenced at Bloemspruit Community Hall. This initiative is put in place by the Department of Police, Roads and Transport together with the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Free State SAPS and local Non-Governmental Organizations.

Rev Gadinamoji Mokirisi opened the event with a scripture reading and prayer.

Mme Kesbetsoe Sekoboto gave the purpose of the day.

She says today is all about celebrating the initiatives that have been put in place ever since the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele announced that Bloemspruit is amongst the gender-based violence hotspots in the country. The aim is also to create awareness for people in the community to access the facilities made available to victims of these crimes.

In attendance were survivors of Domestic Violence from the Survivor’s Lived Experience, giving their testimonies on how they escaped the Femicide and the role the police played on saving their lives.

Chwayita Mzata from Civilian Secretariat for Police Service gave a presentation on Domestic Violence Act. She says her department stands as a channel between the community and the police, in cases where communities feel they are not fairly treated by the police when they approach police stations to report Domestic violence cases. It is also their responsibility to see to it that basic facilities in the police stations are there to give support and attend to Domestic violence victims.

Men were encouraged to support each other, learn to talk and be able to listen to each other without discrimination.   The same should apply to LGBTQI members. They also deserve to be treated fairly.

Brigadier Ramorena-Tsoai from Provincial Legal Service and Policy is responding to the public’ concerns and complaints.

Brig Ramorena-Tsoai continues and educate the public about the repercussions they should consider when faced with a temptation of withdrawing reported cases, more especially cases involving children (as victims).

Source: South African Police Service