Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has called on traditional leaders to be at the forefront of community policing in their communities to fight against domestic violence.
Shongwe was speaking during a provincial 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Launch held in Elukwatini yesterday, 24 November 2013.
He said that traditional leaders are well respected in their communities hence they hold a better platform to educate people about domestic violence issues.
“This battle is not for police and government only, it is everyone’s business, and it affects everyone. We want to have leaders whom our communities will look up to for their safety. Let us refrain from negotiating these cases in traditional courts, an abuser is a criminal and they belong in jail,” said Shongwe.
According to statistics, Elukwatini has a high rate of rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and child abuse cases.
The MEC said that investigations by police on these cases should not be prolonged as it diminishes the faith that communities have in the Justice and Crime Prevention Systems.
He also called on municipalities to ensure that roads are accessible, there are street names and lights and bushes are cleared to make it easier for police to access crime and investigation scenes.
He added that municipalities must also deal with the issue of empty stands as criminals use them as hiding spots to do criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Inkosi Yende of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders said among others that the cause of domestic violence and abuse was poverty, especially in rural areas.
He said that government must bring development to rural areas, including provision of education and job opportunities as most women become vulnerable because of poverty. During the launch, the Provincial Government represented.
