The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has led the SAPS in joining Faith-Based-Organisations to pray against the scourge of Gender-Based-Violence and Femicide, including children.

The event which is part of the Spiritual Crime Prevention effort was held at Replica Church in Standerton yesterday, Friday 09 December 2022. Pastors, Prophets, Spiritual Leaders, Chaplains, congregants and members of the SAPS converged to seek divine intervention in dealing with the challenges that victims are faced with on daily basis.

Two victims, Ms Dimakatso Motloung and Ms Tsakani Shivuri shared the pain that they went through as they were victimized but indicated that they came out from abusive relationships and became survivors. They both encouraged other women to break the silence.

During the keynote address on occasion, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela indicated that women should stop apologising for having been abused because of seeking financial support from the perpetrators. The General further emphasised that the public, including SAPS members should make use of the professionals that the state has provided. "We as Police are doing our best to fight Gender-Based-Violence and Femicide in our society but we cannot do this alone. We need the community to join hands with us. Those who protect perpetrators knowingly should also be brought to book. There is no excuse to protect abusers just because they provide food on the table. As police our duty is to arrest these perpetrators without fear or favour. Finally, we thank the prayers that were offered today" concluded the General.

Source: South African Police Service