Pupils march against abuse
Pupils from various schools gathered to march against women and children abuse on Tuesday, 26 November.
eMBALENHLE – The Family and Marriage Association of South Africa (Famsa) mobilised hundreds of pupil from various schools and women to march against women and child abuse on Tuesday, 26 November.
The initiative was part of the government’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign for no violence against children and women.
The marchers gathered at eMbalenhle Community Hall and then marched to eMbalenhle Police Station.
Ms Cathrine Mogodi, social auxiliary worker for Famsa, said: “The significance of the march was to generate awareness among the youth and pupils given the high rate that the youth are exposed to violence, drugs and other forms of crime in their communities.
“Three students from KI Twala Secondary School have been allegedly raped in October and more could suffer the same fate if the violence perpetrated against these young children is not addressed with the seriousness it deserves.
“We request for a satellite police station in Extension 18 because of the increase in rape and child abuse cases being reported at the eMbalenhle Police Station from the extension 14, 17, 18 areas.
“We believe that the satellite police station and constant police visibility could assist in curbing the victimization and violation of children and women in the area.
“The police station will have a positive impact in the community as it will bring essential services closer to people who need them.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi of eMbalenhle Police Station received and signed the memorandum.
He said: “Thank you all for being responsible citizens and for joining hands in fighting crime.
“We will get back to you in no time regarding your request in the memorandum.”
Brave Khoza, pupil from KI Thwala Secondary School, said: “We need the police to take action and make sure they arrest every perpetrator.
“We ask the government to give no mercy to rapists who they should be given a life time sentence.
“We also support our peers who have been abused. They should stay strong and know that we are behind them.”
Mr Richard Ndlovu, Kohin life couch at KI Thwala, said: “People should remember that children are a gift from God.
“I challenge all men out there to rise and restore the dignity of being men by creating a safe and secure environment for our children and women.”
