The South African Communist Party (SACP) along with residents and political parties took to the streets of Mohlakeng yesterday (Monday, 5 June) to raise awareness about abuse of women and children.
The SACP Nkosiphendule Kolisile Branch in Mohlakeng Extension 4 arranged the peaceful march which started at Four Square (Mohlakeng Taxi Rank) and proceeded to the Mohlakeng Police Station.
The purpose of the march was to hand over a memorandum addressing a number of issues to the station commander, Brigadier Jacob Manamela. Some of the issues were the killing and abusing of women, the kidnapping of children and women, and the crime that regularly occurs within the community.
The Herald was invited to attend the march and on arrival found about 40 members and residents peacefully marching. Brigadier Manamela and Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police’s Spokesperson listened to their concerns. Other police members from Mohlakeng Police Station also attended.
Detiko Moreotsenye, District Secretary of the SACP, addressed the marchers and the police, voicing the reasons for the march. Moreotsenye said he was pleased that the march had been carried out in a disciplined manner.
The fight against crime, [and abuse of] women and children is one we must all fight together, no matter which political party you are from,” he said.
He also mentioned that Mohlakeng has grown and that its police station is not situated in the correct spot as many residents have to travel a long way to report incidents. He stressed that the police must do their work and if they do, they will gain the respect of the Mohlakeng community.
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Other concerns were also raised, for instance the use and selling of drugs, especially Nyaope. Police visibility was also mentioned, as was the safety of schoolchildren travelling to and from their schools.
He suggested that satellite (mobile) police stations be set up so that all victims can get to a police station as soon as possible.
Mzwandile Sibeko, SACP Nkosiphendule Kolisile Branch chairperson, handed the memorandum over to Manamela. The marchers said they wanted a written response from Brigadier Manamela in 14 days.
Brigadier Manamela then responded by saying that he is glad that they came to the police station to raise their concerns.
“You as the community are my eyes and ears. I need you to become active and inform the police of any crime that is committed. If you know where residents are buying drugs, inform us. You need to help us expose these criminals,” he said.
He went on, saying that Mohlakeng tops the list of places where domestic violence occurs. He said that if couples experience problems in their households, they must seek help from professionals. He also said that the human resources and police vehicles they have at the moment are being used to absolute capacity. Manamela emphasised that his police vehicles are often stoned, and that this behaviour is unacceptable.
The march ended on a positive not, with Manamela signing the memorandum and agreeing to get back to the marchers on the issues they had raised.
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