SPONSORED | DCM and SAPS fight GBVF and substance abuse

To fight back against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and substance abuse, Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) partnered with the Sekhukhune SAPS for an awareness campaign at Ga-Maphopha on April 10.

The event was held at the Talane sports grounds in Ngwaabe.

Those who offered messages of support at the event included the Spiritual Crime Prevention members; magoshi led by Kgoshigadi Hunadi Maphopha; management of DCM; the community policing forum; representatives of the government departments such as social development, health, justice, education; the National Prosecuting Authority; and many more.

The attendees included pupils from local schools in Ngwaabe, including Mashego, Nkotwane and Ngwanangwato high schools. Entertainment was offered by pupils from Ngwanangwato with their Sarafina dance, and the Pookgwadi Cultural Group with their traditional songs.

Speaking during the event, the DCM’s socio-economic development (SED) officer, Tshidiso Seikaneng, reiterated that crime delays development in local communities. “For the SAPS to win the battle against crime, locals need to assist in reporting and blowing the whistle on criminal activities.

“Another challenge our youths face is drug abuse. Drugs are hampering development in our communities.”

Seikaneng added: “As DCM, our focus is on socio-economic development in our neighbouring villages. Let’s avoid destroying and damaging projects earmarked to develop our communities.”

Seikaneng said DCM is working closely with local organisations and the SAPS during events such as the crime awareness and health campaigns, and has also invested in various educational projects in communities surrounding the mine. These include the building of educational classrooms at Nkotwane High School, the issuing of matric awards for the top performing learners in local schools, the electrification of Ga-Rantho, and many more projects.

“Our focus areas remain socio-economic development, education, health, sports, and arts and culture development. We believe with these activities we can see social ills going down. As DCM, we say no to social ills. We need to cut down social ills in the Ngwaabe area.”

The station commander of the Sekhukhune SAPS, Col Lekgaloa Leshilo, advised the Ngwaabe communities to form a leadership forum to combat crime.

We urge communities to co-operate and work fully with the SAPS to combat crime and reject and report stolen goods. The buying of stolen goods is illegal and punishable. It even exacerbates matters as it motivates criminals to continue with their actions.”

He said most of the crimes reported are committed by suspects who are either on drugs or intoxicated. He urged locals to drink responsibly.

Leshilo said GBVF is rife in the Ngwaabe area.

“It takes a village to raise a child. Communities and interested sectors must continue to engage one another in the fight against GBVF. Let’s blow the whistle on GBVF and report these cases. We need to refrain from covering up GBVF cases, as we tend to discuss such matters as families and not report them.”

Leshilo advised community members to help the SAPS fight crime. “The SAPS encourages the public to anonymously report criminal activities and suspicious behaviour through the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.”

The event was concluded with all stakeholders signing a pledge to stop GBVF.