WATCH: Community says no to gender-based violence
Community members also joined the walk that started on the corner of Langenhoven Street and Voortrekker Road.
“No to Gender-based Violence” was the message that was communicated and spread across the streets of Kempton Park during a walk on Saturday morning.
Kempton Park SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit, in conjunction with security personnel, NGOs, metro police, Department of Social Development and motorcycle clubs, embarked on a walk against gender-based violence.
Community members also joined the walk that started on the corner of Langenhoven Street and Voortrekker Road.
Through the rain and with their posters and placards, the people walked the streets of Kempton Park, raising awareness about the violence against women and children in the area.
“The walk was aimed at highlighting the plight of women in our area who are abused,” said Capt Jethro Mtshali, spokesperson for Kempton Park SAPS.
“Some of the cases that shook the community include the case of Sibongile Zenzile whose body was found beheaded in a flat on West Street in April. Her boyfriend, Elhadji Adama Kebe, is accused of her murder.”
The other case is that of Karien Janse van Rensburg who died in hospital in August after being in a coma for about two weeks. Karien had multiple injuries suggestive of assault and her husband, Deon, is accused of severely assaulting her.
Although Karien died on August 18, she was declared brain dead on Women’s Day (August 9).
“These are just some of the heartbreaking cases that have motivated and inspired the walk and we say enough is enough, there needs to be an end to women and children abuse,” said Mtshali.
Family and friends of Sibongile and Karien also joined the walk; it was also a special moment for the marchers as motorists hooted while other community members in various streets joined in support of the walk.
The walk ended at the starting point and a short programme was held with different speakers addressing the need for community members, police, NGOs, security companies and various other stakeholders to work together to bring an end to gender-based violence.
