GEORGE NEWS - Zone 8 is one of the areas most plagued by rape attacks in Thembalethu.
Attendees learnt this, among other rape statistcs, at an Anti-Rape Campaign hosted by the Thembalethu Police on 30 August. Members of the community joined a number of stakeholders at the All Brick Hall in Zone 8 for the campaign held to increase awareness of this scourge in our communities.
The event was organised by Thembalethu Police Station Communications Officer, Captain Dumile Gwavu.
Stakeholders that had been invited were Family Violence, the Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Ithemba Lobomi, Thuthuzela Centre, Pastor Saleni of the Ministers' fraternal, Thembalethu Police Youth Desk, George Youth Café and George Youth Office.
Sgt Denzil Ntwana brought the audience up to date with the statistics for Thembalethu.
Between April and July this year, 42 rape cases were reported in Thembalethu, with 38 female victims and four male victims. Arrests were made in 31 of these cases. At 31% , children aged 11 to 15 are the age group that is affected most.
"Zone 8 is one of the major hit areas, with seven rape cases reported in the area," said Ntwana. "That is why we decided to come to this area to do the Anti-Rape Awareness Campaign. We urge them to report rape cases and not to be afraid to report them, so that rape victims, and our young children, can be protected, with them being targeted mostly by the perpetrators."
CPF executive member William Stanford urged the community to speak out, and pointed out that women are not the only victims of rape, but also men. Women and men must come out and report the incidents, and not be ashamed or embarrassed.
They must also not withdraw their charges or give incomplete information. "It makes no sense that people say the police do not do their job when the community fails to report incidents or give the necessary information when the police do follow-ups."
Eden Cluster Commander Maj-Gen Oswald Reddy also encouraged victims of rape to come forward and report the perpetrators, so that the police can do the necessary investigation and put them behind bars.
"When you are victimised, you need to call us so that we can do everything we can to make sure you are safe. We are not the enemy; we are here to protect you and to serve you. The police will also make sure that you receive the necessary support and counselling."
As a parting gesture, Reddy handed out whistles to community members to make alarm when an incident happens.
ARTICLE & PHOTO: LUZUKO SAMPO, GEORGE HERALD INTERN
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