Mamelodi SAPS organise GBV awareness walk
The government should address the issues of unemployment in our country which would assist in curbing GBV, says a concerned resident.
Police and other stakeholders conducted a gender-based violence awareness walk in Mamelodi on Wednesday.
Mamelodi police spokesperson Sergeant Masombuka said the 4km walk started at the station and proceeded to Bobo’s tavern in section C A3.
“The organising team saw a need to include liquor store owners as their customers were the main target group. Most offenders use alcohol as a tool to resolve their frustration,” Masombuka said.
He said it was very important to spread awareness of GBV as it aimed to educate residents about the importance of protecting loved ones and also creating a safe environment.
Community member Rosslyn Masambutle of Mamelodi East said she appreciated the initiative by the police as more women and children are victims of GBV.
“I think if our government would address unemployment that would assist in curbing GBV.
“Most of the people that are being abused, I believe, are reliant on the abuser for almost everything,” Masambutle said.
A 54-year-old Amos Maphaila said he felt violence should be traced as far back as one’s childhood.
“Most of us as men were raised and taught that men don’t cry and that we must bottle things up.
“One of the important things is that we are taught to defend ourselves when our backs are against the wall, so when we are out there in society the minute our backs are against the wall, we fight,” said Maphaila.
He said he was not condoning GBV but was merely highlighting the underlying issues that he believed fuelled GBV in society.
Local taxi association chairman JK Maredi pleaded with law enforcement agencies to include the industry in such campaigns.
Maredi said the association would strengthen its relationship with the community as they work together day in and day out.
“I would also like to encourage women to empower themselves with education to avoid the abusive financial solution.”
Among the stakeholders were the Tshwane metro police, departments of community safety, health as well as correctional services, traffic wardens, Synexus, Sassa, national youth development outreach (NYDO), Thandanani drop-in centre, the local CPF and Moses Mabida Foundation.
According to police, the event was attended by 200 community members, who had also filled out evaluation forms to rate the Mamelodi police service.
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