Roodepoort police tackle GBV

The Social Crime Prevention Unit of Roodepoort Police Station’s sector managers and crime prevention wardens conducted a Sports Against Gender-Based Violence event in Tshepisong Phase 5 on June 26.

According to Captain Juanita Yorke from the Roodepoort Police Station, the event was intended for the whole family, with activities for both parents and their children.

“The children, aged between eight and 12 played soccer, while the adults were educated on issues of gender-based violence,” she says, adding that police in Roodepoort have a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence (GBV).

“We would like to issue a stern warning that domestic violence and GBV crimes will not be tolerated and that the perpetrators thereof will be brought to book.”

Yorke adds that victims of GBV can rest assured that there is help available for them.

“If you need help and are a victim of gender-based violence, please report the matter to the local domestic violence office at your nearest court. They will issue a protection order and it will be served by the local police station in your area.

“If you need counselling and have been a victim of any crime, visit the nearest victim-friendly room at your nearest police station or Green Door in the area where you live.”

The Green Door initiative provides a safe space for victims for short periods not exceeding four hours, while they wait for police to respond. These facilities are specifically meant for more rural areas where there is not a police station nearby.

“If anyone has any information for the South African Police Service and wishes to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stop or report the information by downloading the MySaps App on your smartphone. All information is strictly confidential and the call centre is open 24 hours.”

In the case of an emergency, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, 10111 or 112 for the police to attend to your complaint. Remain calm and make a note of the information reference number of your calls.