DAANTJIE – In a bid to fight against women and child abuse, the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe visited Nkomeni sports ground to join hands with police members and locals to raise awareness of the 16 Days Of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children on Saturday.

Community members came in large numbers to support this day and also to show their concern about such incidents as it is known that this area is a hot spot for abuse. The purpose of the event themed “Count me in, together moving a non violent South Africa forward,” was to urge community members to protect women and children and also to try preventing women and child abuse.

Mpakeni Tradational Council’s, Chief Scelo Nkosi advised women to stop fighting alone since that also contributes to abuse. He added, “Abuse is not only physical violence and rape, hence emotional abuse is also one of the most common form of abuse faced by women.”

Mr Mcebo Nkosi, an ex-convict who served 23 years in prison for robbery, rape and theft, encouraged the community to work together with the police in order to reduce crime. He said, “Jail life is not easy; parents should not encourage criminal acts perpetrated by their children.” He also apologised for all the bad things he had done to the community.

Lt General Mark Magadlela said, “We are here to encourage abused victims to speak out so we can deal with the abusers.” He added that men were also victims of abuse and they should not be ashamed to report such cases. He urged the residents to report police officers who are trying to protect suspects.

“As police we are here to protect you and please speak out when you are being abused, we will deal with that particular person” he emphasised. He said the campaign will not be a once-off but it will be an everyday occasion to protect the community, especially those who cannot fight for themselves.

MEC Vusi Shongwe said, “Let’s all raise our hands and say count me in. With these words we are vowing that we will not be part of women and children abuse.”He advised parents to ensure that children were indoors before 18:00 to safeguard them and to ensure that they are always safe.

Seeing that rape cases of children and old women were increasing, Shongwe asked, “What kind of a man are you when raping a granny and a three-month old baby, do you call yourself a man? He also urged the policing team to be responsible fathers.

“Our children are our future, please stop destroying our country by partaking in abuse,” he said. During the event, the different departments donated wheelchairs, farming tools for Mpakeni farmers, uniforms, reflector jackets and sanitary towels.