MEC Mazibuko appeals to the people of Gauteng to actively participate in crime-fighting
MEC Mazibuko also appealed to the people of Gauteng to actively participate in crime-fighting structures in their communities as part of the social movement against crime.
KwaThema – The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, has expressed shock following an incident in which a woman was admitted in an intensive care unit after she was allegedly attacked with an axe by her husband in KwaThema.
The 59-year-old woman , was on Sunday moved from a local hospital’s intensive care unit to a recovery ward.
She was rescued by her daughter when her husband allegedly attacked her with an axe.
According to reports, her daughter aged,, wrestled with her stepfather, dispossessed him of the axe, and saved her mother’s life.
Mazibuko has appealed to the police to thoroughly investigate the case to ensure that the suspect is brought to book.
The police opened a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm case, but after the observation of the seriousness of the victim’s condition, added a charge of attempted murder.
Also read:59-year-old arrested for assaulting wife
The MEC has also applauded Malibongwe Vilakazi, for the act of bravery which saved her mother’s life.
“This incident once again highlights the seriousness of the scourge of gender-based violence in our communities.
“Irrespective of the circumstances, no woman deserves to be abused.
“Addressing the scourge of gender-based violence continues to be a matter of priority to the Gauteng Provincial Government, hence our establishment and continued support of Ikhaya Lethemba which houses victims of gender-based violence.
“I am deeply disturbed by this incident, particularly because the person who is supposed to be protecting this family, instead turned out to be the one inflicting much pain on them,” says the MEC.
Mazibuko also appealed to victims of abuse to report the incidents.
“It is of critical importance that women should continue to report cases of abuse against them to our law enforcement agencies.
“Women and children are supposed to be protected by everyone in society.
“As the Gauteng citizens, we cannot fold our arms and allow these criminals to instil fear in our homes, and to deprive women and children of their rights to live freely in their homes.
“We must rise, and put an end to this scourge by joining the social movement against gender-based violence.” continues Mazibuko.
Also read: Mothers encouraged to speak out against abuse
She also appealed to the people of Gauteng to actively participate in crime-fighting structures in their communities as part of the social movement against crime.
“Crime affects all of us and police alone cannot win the war against this scourge.
“We need active participation of Gauteng citizens in community policing structures.
“Community policing is the first line of defence and a force multiplier in ensuring that our streets and homes are safe at all times.” adds Mazibuko
The social movement against crime consists of community safety structures and social partners such as Business, Civil Society, Community Police Forums (CPFs), Community Patrollers, Youth Crime Prevention Desks, Men as Safety Promoters (MASPs), Women as Safety Promotors (WASPs) and Elderly Desks, to name a few.
Structures within this social movement regularly embark on various safety initiatives in various communities working closely with law enforcement agencies.
