Police together with civil society groups, government departments, community organisations and tribal authorities around Rustenburg celebrated the women’s month by calling for an abrupt end to the scourge of violence against women and children.
The clarion call to tackle the crimes against the vulnerable groups was made during the Dialogue Against Gender-Based Violence campaign held on Saturday, 23 August 2014 at Moruleng stadium in Rustenburg. Among the notable dignitaries who graced the event included Bakgatla-Ba-kgafela tribal leader, Kgosi Nyalala Pilane, Kgosi Monnakgotla and the North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Zukiswa Mbombo.
The day’s activities started with a march to create awareness about gender-based violence. A memorandum was also handed over to the police’s provincial management. The communities urged the police to curb gender-based violence and to ensure that harsh sentences are meted out to the perpetrators of violence Against Women and children. The community also appealed to the Provincial Commissioner to provide additional human and physical resources at Sun City and Mogwase police stations respectively.
Addressing the audience which included learners, parents and elderly, Lt Gen Mbombo said the police have beefed up the fight against gender-based violence by the re-establishment of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). “The safety of our women and children is one of the government key priorities. We do not negotiate and that cannot be compromised. We will do whatever within our powers and abilities to bring stability and safety in this area as well as other areas within the province. This is more important especially when it comes to the killing of women and children,” she added.
Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo further commended traditional leaders for their active participation in measures to combat women and child abuse. “The traditional leaders are also concerned because the people who are victims of these heinous crimes are also their subjects. They will support us in making sure that we address some of issues raised in this memorandum as urgent as possible. Together, we will make it happen,” she concluded.
There are 12 FCS Units within province dedicated to deal with cases involving women and children. Police handed out whistles to community.
As part of social corporate responsibility, Police donated blankets to the needy members of the community. The crowd was entertained by the scintillating drill and musical performance by the provincial police marching band. The revellers were entertained with poetry and choral music.
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