Residents unite in call for stronger response to GBV
An acting station commander acknowledges gender-based violence is an epidemic as community members demand transparency and action.
Residents marched to the Krugersdorp Police Station on Friday, October 2, to hand over a memorandum demanding urgency and accountability in handling gender-based violence (GBV).
Organiser Vanessa Mkhawane said the march aimed to foster unity among residents and prompt law enforcement to act with greater transparency.
“I came here not just as a Mogale City ward candidate, but rather a resident of the city and as a victim of GBV,” she said.
Addressing the stigma
Mkhawane urged attendees to address the stigma surrounding victims, noting that many affected women do not report incidents to the police due to fear of societal judgement. She said most female victims of GBV and intimate partner violence are harmed by someone they know, such as a current or former romantic partner, spouse, or family member.
Acting station commander Colonel Thembekile Shabiri accepted the memorandum on behalf of the police and acknowledged that GBV is an epidemic that requires resolution.
“We will look at the memorandum and ensure demands are met to give victims of GBV their dignity and rights,” he said.
