Local police honoured for their fight against GBV

Police officers were honoured for their involvement in the fight against GBV on March 3.

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Hosted by a community organisation that deals with sheltering women and children who were victims of abuse in their households and families, the men and women in blue were honoured with certificates of appreciation and trophies.

Organiser of the gala dinner and founder of Tsehgofatsa Rona Welfare and Community Organisation, Cynthia Dianalane, explained the importance of such an event.

“As social workers and people who rely on the police for assistance in many cases we get as Tshegofatsa Rona, we understand the strain, dependency and reliance on the men and women who are here today and it was important to show them that we appreciate their efforts in everything we ask of them,” said Dinalane.

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Dinalane added that there are days when she has to make calls to officers and station commanders alike seeking assistance for a case that has been brought to their attention in the early hours of the morning.

“At times there are days where I have no other option but to call a station commander, or officer at one in the morning asking for them to help us get someone to a place of safety. It is their efforts to help us in those situations that make tonight’s ceremony so special,” she added.

The officers awarded trophies and certificates of appreciation in Kempton Park were the communications officer of Kempton Park SAPS, Captain Jethro Mtshali, along with station commander Brigadier Lindani Ndlovu, Sergeant Dipuo Ditshego, Kempton Park CPF chairperson Ronnie Ross Allen as well as Ekurhuleni CPF chairperson for men and women in blue, Andrew Mosesi.

Mtshali said he was delighted over his award on the night.

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He said when all things were said and done, the mandate of the police was to serve and protect the community.

“I didn’t expect to be honoured. It is such an honour that today as police officers not only from Kempton Park SAPS but Norkem Park, Sebenza, Thembisa and surrounds, are being acknowledged for our efforts, especially by members of the community and role players in the fight against GBV,” said Mtshali.

He added that welfare organisations are a crucial element in the fight against GBV.

“In most cases, welfare organisations and GBV brigades are the first to be called onto the scene.

They are the ones who take care of the victims by offering shelter and catering for all the necessities the woman and children may need.

“Our job in this regard mostly involves thoroughly investigating the perpetrators and incidents to have a successful conviction. We only have cells in our station and we cannot put GBV victims in cells.

“That’s why as police we are also grateful for organisations such as Tshegofatsa Rona Welfare,” he said.

Ndlovu said that people like Cyinthia Dinalane need recognition.

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He said it is organisations such as Tshegofatsa Rona that do most of the work and have an even greater impact on victims and society at large.

“It’s days like these that we know that our work is appreciated but in oversight of everything that happens particularly on a GBV case, organisations such as Tshegofatsa Rona has the greatest impact,” said Ndlovu.

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