Workshop to empower victims of crime in and around Polokwane

The Polokwane police and other stakeholders held a social crime prevention meeting on Thursday aimed at educating and comforting victims of crime.

According to Polokwane police spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramoshaba, victims of crime needed the opportunity to speak about what happened so that they could heal and try to forget about the ordeal they went through.

“Such gatherings also aim to give victims strength and hope so that they can move on with their lives. We (the police) feel that it is our social responsibility to guide and educate victims,” Ramoshaba explained.

He said men especially, did not want to speak about their experiences, and he urged them to also come forward to get help.

Ramoshaba said victims had the right to be treated with fairness and respect.

“This was our first gathering but we plan on hosting such events more often in the future to assist the victims of crime.

“We citizens to report criminal activities taking place in their communities so that we can intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Ramoshaba said.

Any crime can be reported to 0800 055 555 or 086 001 0111 or SMS a tip-off to 32211.