THOHOYANDOU - The Police Minister General Bheki Cele has encouraged men to speak out and put more effort in ensuring that women and children feel safe by acting against Gender Based Violence.
The Minister highlighted this during a conference against Gender Based Violence held at Makwarela Community Hall in Thohoyandou under Vhembe District today, 05 March 2022, hosted by Real Man Foundation (NGO).
The foundation has positioned itself as a champion in fighting against rape and gender based violence which has proven that the majority of those violence are committed by men. The South African Police Service Men for Change and Women's Network Forums in Limpopo, continue to actively play a significant role in aligning themselves with programmes for the elimination of Gender Based Violence and Femicide in partnership with other relevant stakeholders including NGOs to champion these issues.
The Minister was joined by MEC of Social Development Mme Kakareng Rakgoale, Acting Mayor of Thulamela Municipality Cllr SC Kwinda, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers, District Commissioner of Vhembe Major General Eddie van der Walt, Provincial Head Crime Registar Brigadier Josephine Molema, Provincial Women's Network Champion Brigadier Marry Mashila, Thohoyandou Station Commander Brigadier Leshoaneng Isaac Montjane,Provincial Men for Change Champion Lieutenant Colonel Remmonejesu Sekgotha and other police officers from the Provincial Office and District.
The Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, urged men to do introspection, be good leaders of the society and help to create a safer environment for women and children. Brigadier Molemo then presented the Provincial Crime Statistics for 2021/2022 quarter and Thohoyandou is still among the stations which recorded the highest increase in community reported crimes and contact crimes
Delivering his keynote address, the Minister said this crime picture can still change if the community stands together and say "No to Men/Women and Child Abuse". General then appealed to men to groom children to be better people when they grow up and said men must come forward and speak about their frustrations and stop taking them out on their partners and children.
"We have identified some of the root causes of this violence such as drugs and alcohol and we must deal with them head on, starting with the drug lords and illegal shebeens. We also have the responsibility to revive community crime based structures such as the CPF and Neighbourhood watch and encourage our community to participate and work closely with the police. Police officers must protect community members who are providing information about criminal activities and they should not let the society loose hope by turning them away when they need help, Concluded General Bheki Cele.
The event was also supported by local pastors, HPCSA CEO Professor Nevhutada, Kruger National Park spokesperson Dr Mabasa, Black Leopard Chairperson Mr David Thidiela,
local social workers, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.
Source: South African Police Service