As Women’s Month draws to a close the Nyanga Community Police Forum and the local SAPS held an event for victims of crime in the area.
On Friday, victims of violent crimes were invited and treated to informative sessions by government authorities and NGOs who spoke on issues such as the Criminal Procedure and Mhild Maintenance Acts.
Malibongwe Sophangisa, public relations officer for the CPF, said the event was held specifically for victims of violent crime to assist them in the aftermath.
“Correctional Services explained the parole process because a lot of times perpetrators are released and the community cannot understand why and also do not know what to do when a parolee goes back to their criminal ways.
We feel that we should bring all these departments to them so that they can get some explanation as well as socialising with each other in a supporting environment,” he said.
Sophangisa said that they also wanted the victims of violent crimes to not feel left out.
“Some of them have lost loved ones and we understand that it is a difficult time, so we want them to know that we are here for them,” he said.
He also added that this was just some of the many activities that the CPF and the police were conducting during Women’s Month.
Many women related their experiences with violence and abuse as well as commended the work of police in arresting and the prosecution of rapists and abusers. Monica Mathe, a mother of three, told of how she spent years without receiving maintenance money from her ex-husbands.
“I visited the courts and when they finaly came to ruling they enforced that he pay a ridiculous R25 rand for each child.
I had to work hard and put them to school after the courts failed to help me,” she said.
Brigadier Vuyisile Ncatha, Nyanga station commander, pleaded with residents to work with the police so that violent criminals can be arrested.
He also had a stern warning for wayward cops, and, urging the community to come forward with information against police officers that partake in crime.
“There are many men and women who work hard in the police service.
They put their lives at risks to protect the community but we also know that there are bad apples. We are working hard to rid the police service of these members.
We need the community to help us make this possible
