IN AN effort to raise awareness about crime, those involved in the Greater Tzaneen community works programme joined residents on a march from the R36 to the Peace-Makers football field at Khujwana village last Friday.
Some carried placards proclaiming, “Together we can fight crime in our community”, while another read: “If you rape women and children, you are half a man.”
Speaking on behalf of the mayor of Greater Tzaneen, councillor Patrick Nghonyama said all residents had a duty to assist the police in the fight against crime. “Government alone cannot eradicate this scourge that threatens to destroy our communities. We call on all communities to partner with government in creating a safer and healthier space for our communities to thrive in,” Nghonyama said.
He said abusers, murderers and rapists had no place in the community and urged the community to work with the police, prosecutors and courts to make sure that criminals were arrested and convicted.
“Our collective efforts through various campaigns can create public awareness and reduce the number of sexual offences and attacks on women and children in our community,” he said.
Evans Machitela, coordinator of the community works programme in the area, said the campaign aimed to make the community aware of its role in the fight against crime. “Together we must work harder to end crime in our community, particularly the cycle of abuse against women and children,” Machitela said.
He echoed Ngon-yama’s statement by saying: “As members of the community works programme, we cannot rest until we have a society that is safe and where women and children feel safe.”
Lawrence Mathole, a resident of Lephepane village, said parents needed to fulfil their parental roles. “Children should never be left unmonitored. It is our responsibility to report criminal elements to law enforcement agencies.
“But at the same time, we are calling on police to respond rapidly when our communities report crimes,” he concluded.
