New champion for gender-based violence cases in Mamelodi
‘Working together we can – and surely turn Mamelodi into a safe haven for women and children and put away all abusers.’
The newly appointed head coordinator for the domestic violence unit at Mamelodi East police station wants women and children abusers brought to book.
Captain Mabel Nkosi said the high level of gender-based violence (GBV) cases reported at the Mamelodi East police station had “put a bad mark on the police”.
Nkosi is a seasoned police officer, having joined the force 30 years ago, and has 19 years’ experience as a detective dealing with domestic violence cases.
“Working together with the community, we can turn Mamelodi into a haven for women and children and put away all abusers,” said Nkosi.
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She said there were different kinds of abuse and the public should know about them. Her office would deal with such cases and victim empowerment.
“These cases include physical abuse, emotional abuse and economic abuse. Elderly people get abused too,” said Nkosi.
“Anyone can become a victim and domestic violence does not affect women and children only. Even men are victims sometimes.
“Gender-based violence is a societal evil that must be contained at all costs,” said Nkosi.
She added adding that her main goal was to help the community to understand what abuse was “because it comes in many ways”.
“Knowing what is abuse can help to fight and stop it within our community and that can be achieved through a good relationship between the community and the police,” she said.
Urging the community to know her and about her office, Nkosi said: “Our office is not all about open cases only, we also help victims to get protection orders, counselling as well as involving the social workers too.”
She said her concern was that most domestic violence cases occurred at weekends, and most couples fought at taverns and shebeens, especially in informal settlement areas, after having drinks.
Her worry was victims who withdrew cases several days after laying charges.
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“Couples tend to withdraw cases because the perpetrator is the only breadwinner in the house or he is the father of the children,” said Nkosi.
“Our victim-friendly room has all the resources to help rape victims and advise the young ones not to be afraid even they are threatened.
“Victims need to be treated with respect, honour and dignity.
“The police are here to protect and serve the community,” she said.
The police social crime prevention unit was also working with the community to help fight GBV by holding public meetings with different communities within Mamelodi.
Her office was open from Monday to Saturday at Mamelodi East police station and she could be reached at 012-815-7103 or 076-305-9986.
Recently, police minister rated Mamelodi East police station second in the top 30 hotspots for GBV in the country.
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