LUSIKISIKI – Junior Management Core (JMC) in the Eastern Cape made a difference in the life of a disadvantaged family at Mcobothini Locality in Lusikisiki as they visited their home with surprise gifts.

The visit followed a Gender-Based Violence related case where a 12-year-old girl was raped by her biological father for a number of years. When the investigator, who is part of the Junior Management Core, Sergeant Busisiwe Ncula visited home of the victim, she was moved by their unbearable situation. She then engaged with JMC team as an effort to better the situation of the disadvantaged family that live in a dilapidated shelter.

JMC team managed to purchase bedding and groceries, as part of consoling and bringing emotional and physical comfort to the affected family. The items were delivered to Qokolo family today.

JMC representative, Constable Bongeka Memela characterized the initiative as a gesture of love, respect and care the South African Police Service has for the community. She further explained significance of enhanced community relations, as it forms part of innovative policing.

Men for Change honoured the activity, and rendered a message of support, calling upon men to take responsibility of protecting women and children, to ensure social harmony.

A representative from Women’s Network condemned gender-based crimes, and further encouraged the community of Mcobothini Locality to break the silence on any form of gender-based violence and crime generally.

Colonel Andiswa Mahlelehlele, on behalf of SAPS management, applauded the move by Junior Management Core, She further challenged members of the community to practise humanity in restoring morals in their respective environments.

Colonel Mahlelehlele explained role of the community in ensuring their own safety and welfare. She also called upon youth in the vicinity to take responsibility of protecting the elders and children.

The Qokolo family expressed their sincere gratitude for the gifts, and described them as an answer to their prayers and fulfilment of their dreams.

The family is one of three families identified by Junior Management Core around Lusikisiki. Two other families will be visited soon, and the opportunity will be utilised to engage respective communities in an effort to address various issues relating to criminality, especially Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Source: South African Police Service