Police join forces with local church to fight GBV.

Mamelodi police joined forces with local churches to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) at local informal settlements on Wednesday.

“We are raising awareness following the recent rise in domestic violence in Phomolong in Mamelodi and nearby informal settlement areas,” said police spokesperson Constable Lethabo Mashiloane.

“We have partnered with local churches in Mamelodi to pray for an end to GBV.”

The awareness was held in Mamelodi east extension 6 at the bus depot.

Mashiloane said the campaign was a success as “we managed to hand out hundreds of pamphlets about GBV, drugs and substance abuse, break the silence and safer holidays season tips”.

“We also did face-to-face talks with the public and targeted motorists, pedestrians and homeowners,” he said.

“We have found that most domestic violence happens over weekends with couples fighting and mostly in informal settlements.”

The police encouraged the public to report such crimes at the station.

“They should not be afraid to break the silence on domestic violence, sexual offences and domestic violence,” he said.

“These are crimes which we believe cannot be addressed by the station crime prevention unit.

“We hope and believe that this information will reach the entire community and we will see fewer crimes being reported.”

He said the campaign sought to educate the community on GBV and to appeal to victims to come forward and speak up.

“Pamphlets highlighting what GBV is, when to report a case when to apply for a protection order and listing important helpline contact numbers, were distributed,” said Mashiloane.

He added the public was told about different kinds of domestic violence from physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and property damage and where to get help.

The police and the church members handed out pamphlets about what is a drug and what makes it addictive, different kinds of drugs and what the consequences of taking drugs are.

The police further appealed to families who know of any abuse to speak out and break the silence.

The police handed out pamphlets on how to prevent crimes:

Hijacking:

– Avoid being alone when travelling at night.

– Do not stop at hijacking hotspots.

– Always be alert when driving, if you suspect that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or call the emergency number 10 111.

House robberies:

– Always be on the lookout for suspicious people and vehicles.

– Enhance security by installing access doors with security gates, and burglar bars on doors and windows.

– Request neighbours to keep an eye on your home while you are away for an extended period.

Business robberies:

– Do not keep a lot of cash on the business premises.

– Be on the lookout for suspicious customers.

– Do not keep the shop open till late.

– Avoid being alone, especially at night.

– Business owners must not open for anyone after the business has closed.

The police reminded the residents of the important numbers such as crime stop 08600 10 111 and crime line 32211.

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