Umkomaas police launches 16 Days of Activism campaign
A candle was lit in memory of gender-based violence victims.
The launch of the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children and the Safer Festive Season operations were convened at the Umkomaas Saps conference centre recently.
Attendees of this meeting included Umkomaas Community Police Forum, Umkomaas Saps members, chaplain of the Saps Employee Health and Wellness Captain Reverend Magwaza, and others.
The prayer for divine intervention was led by Captain Rose Thevan, and the purpose of the meeting and overview was done by Constable Penny Shezi.
In her address, Shezi stated that everyone should not observe a mere calendar date, but confront a pervasive shadow that darkens homes and communities across the various sectors, the nation and the world – the shadow of gender-based violence (GBV).
Umkomaas Saps spokesperson Captain Ranjith Rampersad said that they prayed for all victims of GBV.
“A candle was lit in the honour of all victims,” he said.
“The launch is not only a campaign, it is a global demand for change, a spotlight on the silence and reaffirmation for collective humanity. The reality is a crisis in our midst while statistics are chilling annually, and that one in three women have experience of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.”
Rampersad explained that GBV takes many forms – physical beating, sexual assault, emotional manipulation, economic control and online harassment.
Lt Colonel Mthembeni Zungu, the station commander, stated that every effort will be made to apprehend all outstanding suspects; and Umkomaas Saps is operationally ready for the festive season.
Rampersad added that 16 Days of Activism reminds all that violence is preventable.
“We must create a space where everyone lives without fear. As Saps, we commit to carrying the spirit of the 16 Days of Activism into every single day.”
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