Mams residents partake in Stop GBV fun walk

Concerned over the recent rise in gender-based and domestic violence in Mamelodi, the Moses Mabhida Foundation together with stakeholders in Mamelodi organised the Stop Gender-based Violence fun walk on Friday.

The 2km fun walk started at Mamelodi West police station via Shabangu Street to Central sports ground.

The Mamelodi Senior Citizens Club, Mamelodi GBV Brigade, local CPF, Sonke Gender Justice, Department of Health and Synexus all came to participate.

June Mabhida of Moses Mabhida Foundation said the event aims to let the community know about the services at the foundation.

She said victims of GBV must be made aware of the resources available to help them and where to go for help.

“Many victims, mostly women, do not want to open a case because they are told that if they do, the boyfriend or husband will lose his job. But let us not forget men are victims too,” said Mabhida.

“The important thing is to break the silence and condemn the violence against women so that we can put an end to it.”

The foundation offers counselling, one-on-one and prayer sessions and also does referrals.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Daphney Maila said police supported the GBV fun walk campaign, handed out informative pamphlets about GBV and told the community how they assist the victims.

She said the campaign was a success as they handed out hundreds of pamphlets to the public.

“We wanted to sensitise the community about the trio crimes (hijacking, house and business robberies) during the festive season.

“We also handed out safety tips,” said Maila.

She said the campaign followed a rise in trio crimes in Mamelodi.

“The community members were reminded to make every day a ‘no violence against women and children day’ and were further urged to report any form of violence against women and children,” she added.

Safety tips on 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.

Safety tips on hijacking:

– Avoid being alone in a vehicle when travelling at night.

– Don’t stop in hijacking hotspots or any secluded area.

– Don’t pick up hitch-hikers, particularly when driving alone.

– Always be alert when driving. If you suspect that you are being followed by a suspicious vehicle, drive to the nearest police station or call the emergency number 10111.

Safety tips on business robberies:

– Don’t keep a lot of cash on the business premises.

– Be on the lookout for suspicious customers.

– Don’t keep the shop open too late.

– Avoid being alone, especially at night.

– Don’t open for anyone after the business has closed.

Police reminded the residents of the important numbers such as Crime Stop 08600 10111 and Crime Line 32211.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram