BOPHELONG – Sedibeng District Police painted Bophelong orange on November 28 during a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) march.

Singing and chanting with placards, scores of people marched from the township’s entrance on the Golden Highway and ended up at the community hall for an official talk shop.

The district-wide Orange Day March, held at Bophelong Community Hall, was led by Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukhwevho, alongside the Municipal MMC for Roads and Transport, Nkosinathi Ndwandwe.

Joining them were representatives from the justice sector, the Department of Community Safety, the Department of Correctional Services, local councillors, Community Policing Forums (CPF), GBV response brigades, members from the police’s Social Crime Prevention units, and NGOs, all standing together to raise awareness and demand action.

Participants from across the community turned out in solidarity, many wearing orange to symbolise hope and resilience in the face of GBVF.

The march aimed to send a strong message: Violence against women and children will not be tolerated, and the community stands united in its commitment to safety and justice.

Speaking to Ster on the sidelines of the march, Mukwevho explained why there is a need for a march of such magnitude.

“This campaign stands against GBV. We must support one another when it comes to this scourge.”

Mukwevho said victims should report the crime as early as it starts.

“GBV starts from as little as being belittled by a partner, victims should report such. Police need to help you respectfully. You need to be interviewed in a private space and given counselling,” she said.

“GBV is so serious that we need to embrace it and do everything in our power to assist.”