Mondeor SAPS equips women with self-defence skills amid rising violence
Sergeant Elizabeth Mnguni and Constable Nawaal Kamaar led a practical safety session for teachers at Mulbarton Primary School.
In response to growing concerns over violence against women, Mondeor SAPS is giving women practical self-defence skills designed to help them react, escape and seek help in threatening situations.
Following the recent killings of women in Ekurhuleni, Mondeor SAPS has stepped up efforts to educate and equip women in the community with practical skills to help keep them safe.
Mondeor SAPS Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Elizabeth Mnguni recently hosted a self-defence class and demonstration for teachers at Mulbarton Primary School.
The session aimed to teach beginner-friendly, practical personal safety techniques that can be used in real-life situations.
The training focused on situational awareness, personal safety and simple, leverage-based defence techniques.
The aim was not to turn participants into fighters but to give them the confidence and basic skills needed to respond when faced with danger.
Mnguni led the session alongside Mondeor SAPS Sector Manager for Mondeor Sector 1, Constable Nawaal Kamaar.
The initiative comes at a time when communities across Gauteng remain deeply concerned about violence against women.
The recent murders have left families grieving and communities shocked with many women once again feeling vulnerable in their daily lives.
Mondeor SAPS expressed its sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones and stressed the importance of communities working together to prevent further tragedies.
Empowering women
“This was a Mondeor SAPS initiative, listening to the call of what we are doing following the killings in Kempton Park. We want to make sure that women in our community are equipped with the necessary skills to protect themselves,” said Mnguni.
She emphasised that women do not need to be self-defence experts. Instead, the training is designed to give them enough knowledge to react quickly, create an opportunity to escape and seek help.
The skills taught during the session can benefit women in several ways. They can help participants recognise potentially dangerous situations earlier, remain calm under pressure and use simple techniques to create distance from an attacker.
Most importantly, the training can build women’s confidence in their ability to respond and seek assistance.
For teachers, these skills can also be valuable beyond their own personal safety as they interact with children, parents and members of the public every day, making awareness and personal safety important both inside and outside the school environment.
The teachers welcomed the initiative and thanked Mondeor SAPS, Mnguni and Kamaar for taking the time to provide the training.
The positive response highlighted the growing need for practical safety education within communities.
Mondeor SAPS hopes to continue taking the message of personal safety to more women and community groups. The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between police and the community while giving residents practical tools to help protect themselves.
Women, organisations, schools and community groups interested in booking a self-defence session can contact Mnguni on 082 529 2947.
