The South African Police Service in conjunction with the Department of Education, Departement of Social Development, the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board, Northern Cape Community Police Board, the NPA and other relevant stakeholders conducted a Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) outreach programme on Friday, 02 June 2023 in Kimberley.
The programme was executed in three phases to address GBVF as one of the activities in creating awareness.
Phase one started at !Xunkhwesa Combined School in Platfontein where the following stakeholders including the Chief of the Xu clan , Mr Antonio Sabawo ànd Mr Kamana Mukuwe, the Chief of the Khwe clan, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Maj Gen Luntu Ngubelanga, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Maj Gen Mmantsheke Lekhele, the Provincial Head for Pro-active policing, Brig Irene Kopeledi, the Provincial Head of Corporate Communication, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien and Brigadier Gabathatha Makgari , the Acting Frances Baard District Commissioner were in attendance.
The visit at the school was in line with the Child Protection week that is commemorated from 28 May 2023 to 04 June 2023.
May month is dedicated to child protection during which robust awareness is raised about the rights of children.
The team under the leadership of Maj Gen Ngubelanga also handed over dignity packs to the female learners and toiletries to male learners at the school principal in the presence of the principal and educator and the two respective chiefs of the two clans.
The school principal thanked the delegation along with the Sector Commanders of Platfontein, Sergeants George Macho and Isaac Wessels, for their pro-activeness and always being available to assist the school whenever there is a challenge at the school.
Phase two commenced at the Kimberley police station where the formal programme unfolded.
The welcoming address was delivered by the Frances Baard District CPF chairperson, Mr Patrick Reighard.
The crime overview of GBVF in the Frances Baard District, was presented by the Acting District Commissioner of Frances Baard, Brigadier Makgari.
Speakers from the Provincial Community Policing Board, the NPA, the Department of Education and the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board delivered their respective messages of support, pledging their support and assistance in the collective fight against GBVF. They also appreciated the SAPS for their efforts in addressing contact crimes and acknowledged that this fight will not be possible if they do not play their part and also the urged the community to continue being the eyes and ears of the police.
During her remarks Gen Otola requested the departments to take responsibility and also report incidents of crime which is reported to the departments. She indicated that the NPA must look at shebeens, it’s not only the Liquor Board and SAPS responsibility. The NPA must reviewe the legislation. It cannot be that shebeen owners are arrested, they pay the fines but the confiscated alcohol is returned to then on instruction of the court.
She also requested the Department of Education to look into the latest form of bullying at primary schools.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa handed over furniture and gazebos to five Frances Baard District police stations that will be utilized in the victim friendly facilities to assist GBVF victims visiting the Community Service Centers and the gazebos will be used during community engagements.
She also handed over a brand new Suzuki sedan to the Acting Vispol head at Kagisho police station that will be utilized for fighting crime in the Kagisho station area.
The third and final phase of the programme was Sports against GBVF which concluded at the De Beers stadium where a soccer tournament took place. Four soccer teams namely: Naughty Boys, a team of SAPS comprising of members from Frances Baard District, Correctional Services in Kimberley and Public Order Police competed against each other.
The overall winner of the tournament was the Naughty Boys whi beat POPS 3-1 in the finals.
All team members were awarded with the Certificates of Appreciation at the end of the tournament.
The Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Maj Gen Ngubelanga thanked all the stakeholders who participated in the tournament.
Source: South African Police Service