WELKOM – Partnership Policing and Rural Safety members visited the church in Welkom, namely St. Luke Methodist Church in SA, Women Manyano Circuit. Members who took part in this imitative that started from 14:00 where Captain Mphatsoe, Sergeant Sharon Majikela, Constable Meitjie Jacobs and this team was led by Colonel Beulah Siyaya, Visible Policing Commander of Welkom SAPS.

Women were empowered and equipped on how to fight Gender-Based Violence and bringing innovation and protecting vulnerable people.

Colonel Siyaya motivated women to break the silence, to support one another and to report any form of abuse.

She further encouraged them to break this chain of the curse called Domestic Violence from generation to generation.

Siyaya further says some women are afraid to report abuse because they are dependent on the abusers, others believe been treated in that manner is acceptable.

Domestic violence occurs in the private places while SAPS police only public spaces. Now it will be easier for the police to confront it when it is reported.

She emphasized working together with the SAPS and other stakeholders, like the church we will eradicate Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence.

Church congregants were empowered and the mission was accomplished to reach more women including churches.

Source: South African Police Service