Westonaria Police together with various stakeholders took to the streets and embarked on a peaceful march on Monday morning August 8 to raise awareness and tackle crimes against women.

This was to also commemorate Women’s Day which is celebrated on August 9, and educate women on serious offences occurring within their communities, such as rape, gender-based violence, hijackings, robberies and sexual offences.

Speaking to the Herald during the march, Westonaria Police spokesperson Sergeant Audrey Sefara said their aim was to reach out to women from different communities in their area.

We embarked on a march as part of our Women’s Month celebration and educate our women about the different kinds of crimes and the importance of reporting them to the police, with the hopes of ensuring that they are aware of what is happening around them and how to react to that.

“For the past few weeks, a number of rape incidents were reported to the police and that is worrying to us. It may not be much but one is one too many and that is also why we are here.

“We want to sensitise our women on issues around safety because they are the most vulnerable ones, especially when walking alone at night,” said Sefara who added that rape had become one of the prevalent crimes in the area.

The march which started at the Westonaria Police Station and proceeded to the Pick n Pay complex, was in conjunction with the Westonaria Traffic Department, SAPS Youth Desk and the Westonaria Victim Friendly Room.

During the march, Sergeant Sefara together with other officers of the law handed out pamphlets to locals containing pertinent information regarding safety.