Bloemhof: The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, in partnership with various stakeholders, visited Extension 12 & 13 in Bloemhof, Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, in response to the increasing Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide in the area.
According to the local police statistics, most reported cases are gender based violence and femicide, rape, assault and malicious damage to property influenced by abuse of alcohol, especially during the weekends.
Another concerning factor in the area is the withdrawal of reported cases by victims which perpetuates the problem and negatively impacts the South African Police Service.
“The department is committed to reducing crime in all the communities to create a safer and conducive environment for the people of the North West Province. This can only be achieved through the cooperation of key stakeholders and will definitely yield desirable outcomes. Community members are equally responsible for their safety by reporting any criminal activities taking place in their areas and working together with existing authorities to combat crime,” said coordinator Tshenolo Mosoahle from Crime Prevention and Partnership directorate in the department when outlining the purpose of the campaign.
Invited stakeholders had a great opportunity to engage with the community members of Extension 12 & 13 regarding their vital services and encourage members to take advantage of them according to their various needs.
The nature of these campaigns will occur across the province’s other districts in due course.
Stakeholders that participated in the campaign were the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, the Department of Correctional Service, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).