The Randfontein Police Station’s Communication and Social Crime Prevention units in partnership with the Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Community Safety, ward councillors, gender-based violence brigades and community development workers from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs held a safety awareness campaign at Simunye Thuso Elderly Service Centre on Grootboom Street in Mohlakeng Extention 5 on Wednesday June 15.

Randfontein police spokesperson Sergeant Carmen Hendricks said everybody should stand together to raise awareness about the needs and rights of the elderly people in their communities. They need to be protected from all forms of abuse, respected, shown the dignity they deserve, and they need care and comfort to lead a healthy life.

They were educated on different types of abuse and reporting it, and to make use of our Victim Friendly Room that is available at the police station if they need to come and speak up about abuse.”

Various topics were discussed such as emotional and physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect or abandonment of caregivers.

“They were also urged not to give their SASSA cards to anyone to withdraw their money, because they are being robbed by family members.”