Ikageng listed as a national GBV hotspot

Ikageng was recently announced as one of the most dangerous places for women in South Africa.

The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, recently announced the top-30 gender-based violence hotspots at GCIS (Government Communication and Information System) in Pretoria. Ikageng was placed in the 20th position. It is the only police station in the province that appeared on the minister’s list.

“Gender-based violence is a societal evil that must be contained at all costs, following the honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pronouncements that GBV is still rife under lockdown. The work of the inter-ministerial committee on GBV continues,” he said. Cele also reassured that GBV is still a priority crime for the police and that police stations in the identified areas are expected to have a permanent desk dedicated to related issues.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the provincial police spokesperson, says crime is a societal problem and needs concerted efforts. “We are intensifying our efforts to ensure that we change the picture, not only at the station but also in other parts of the province,” he said. He appeals to the public to offer their assistance and participation by reporting acts of violence, as some of the incidents take place behind closed doors.

In the latest crime statistics of the 2019\2020 financial year, sexual offence cases reported at the Ikageng police station had increased by 26,9 per cent. In the year 2018\2019, a total of 156 cases were reported. The number increased by 42 in 2019\2020, bringing the total to 198.

The sexual offences reported in 2019\2020 were rape, sexual assault, attempted sexual offences and contact sexual offences. Rape was the most reported offence, with 178 cases being reported. The number had increased by 43, as compared with the previous financial year (2018\2019). Since then, several new cases have been reported.

The latest sexual offence cases include a 12-year-old child and two women, aged 20 and 25 respectively. The violations allegedly occurred between 11 and 15 September.

The pre-teen alleges that she and her friend were at a man’s house in Zakhele, Baipei when the incident happened. The suspect is said to be known to them. The incident allegedly happened repeatedly between 11 and 13 September. Sgt Kelebogile Trom, the Ikageng police spokesperson, said a 33-year-old suspect was arrested.

According to Trom, the boyfriend of the 20-year-old woman reportedly raped her in Sarafina Baipei, after he suspected that she was cheating on him. The 25-year-old woman from Extension 11 alleged that her neighbour had raped her. When she tried to scream for help, he reportedly threatened to kill her.

Trom confirms that the police are investigating charges of rape.

If you are a victim of GBV or domestic violence, you can report the incident to the police or apply for a protection order. With the rise in women and children being kidnapped, sexually assaulted or raped, this may cause panic and fear among community members, especially parents. All hope isn’t lost, however.

The police offer the following safety tips to secure your safety:

*Avoid areas where you are more vulnerable to danger.

*Avoid walking or being in darks areas. Rather keep to areas that are well-lit or where there are people.

*If you have a car, lock all your doors and close the windows.

*Don’t talk to strangers.

*Always be aware of your surroundings and be alert at robots and stop signs.

*Carry a whistle with you and blow it when necessary.

*At your home, buffer your security and get the best locks you can afford.

*Don’t let a stranger into your home. Request to see their identification document or call their offices to check their identity.

If ever you feel that you are in danger, contact the police at 08600 10111 or go to your nearest police station. You can also request help through the Namola app at the touch of a button. Namola is a smart app that alerts your loved ones when you leave a location and when you arrive safely. If you are ever in danger, your loved ones can request help on your behalf.