March against abuse held in Vosloorus
The march against abuse and killing of youth, women and children was held in Vosloorus (Ward 107) on Friday, June 16.
Community leaders, community members, Vosloorus CPF members, pastors, schoolchildren as well as ward councillor Thabane Goje took part in the march.
The marchers started out at New Life Bible Ministries Church, behind Chris Hani Shopping Centre, and marched via Bierman Road to Vosloorus Police Station, where a memorandum of demands was handed over to the station commander, Brig Themba Denge.
Mpumelelo Khalo, the organiser, said they were inspired by the youth uprising of 1976.
“This year we march against abuse and the senseless killing of young women that is taking place all over the country,” said Khalo.
Khalo said it does not matter how small the group of protesters is.
“The most important thing is the message, not the numbers. Hopefully the whole of Kathorus will join us in future,” said Khalo.
The memorandum included the following points:
*No bail shall be given to the perpetrators.
*No free state attorneys to be given to the perpetrators.
*Offenders must be given heavy sentences.
*A special court must be set up for the perpetrators.
*SAPS must create community awareness on the matter in question.
*SAPS must be visible in malls, schools and crèches to keep community and children safe.
*SAPS must create a toll-free number to report the perpetrators.
The marchers gave the police seven days to respond to the memorandum.
“The memorandum must be given to the court judiciary,” said Khalo.
Denge thanked the marchers for their efforts.
“The abuse of women and children has decreased here in Vosloorus because we have shown that we will not tolerate the perpetrators of such crime.
“We are working hand in hand with the national prosecuting authority (NPA) from Vosloorus so this memo will go to them,” said Denge.
Denge gave some tips on how girls can keep themselves safe.
“Girls must stop getting into the cars of strangers, no matter how fancy the car is. At shebeens they must not allow strangers to buy them drinks, because it will lead into rape,” said Denge,
He said they will continue with the projects to support the community against this crime.
“Thuthuzela in Thelle Mogoerane Hospital is one of the projects that we have to assist the community. People must utilise that facility.
“We will also have roadshows to fight this kind of crime. It will be even easier this time now that we have more vehicles to help us,” explained Denge.
As for the toll-free numbers, Denge said people can call 112 from their cellphones and they will be assisted for free.
He said the Vosloorus SAPS contact number works, but people don’t utilise it
Denge pleaded with the community members to come to meetings called by the SAPS in their wards.
“You must form street committees as well,” concluded Denge.
