Women lead roadblock on N2

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GEORGE NEWS - As a salute to all women in Women's Month, motorists received goody bags and information regarding gender-based violence (GBV) at a multi-disciplinary roadblock on Thursday 26 August.

Members of Gift of the Givers Foundation, as well as female members of the police and other law enforcement agencies, gathered at the N2 for the roadblock, which was part of Operation Basadi and was led by women in law enforcement.

Earlier that morning the group also handed out goody bags containing sanitary pads to women in Thembalethu.

"Our aim in the involvement of the project was to create awareness of women's rights," said Ali Sablay of the Gift of the Givers Foundation. "Gender-based violence (GBV) has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. So we were on hand to show our support to the police in an attempt to create awareness amongst the community."

Photo gallery: Roadblock for the ladies

He said campaigns like these were created nationally to raise awareness, which is important in areas like Thembalethu where GBV has become quite severe.

During a short press briefing held during the roadblock, head of the national Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Lt-Gen Tobello Mosikili, expressed her concern regarding GBV in the area and in the country as a whole.

"This is our call, this is the time we must say enough is enough. The suffering of women has to come to an end," she said.

The roadblock was held on the N2 between the Sasol fuel station and the Garden Route Mall. Photo: Kristy Kolberg

Investigations

Regarding investigations related to GBV, Mosikili said that they are doing well with the recent expansion of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units.

"With the new mandate we have seen a very good turn-around regarding sentences. However, it needs to be noted that GBV keeps on ravaging our country and we are one of the most affected areas in the region as far as GBV is concerned."

According to Mosikili, GBV looms large in George. "We were informed by the unit that is investigating GBV cases, that George is one of the contributing areas. Especially Thembalethu. We therefore appeal to the community to come forward - even if it's your neighbour who is suffering abuse, come forward and report it. We need the evidence to support our cases," she said.

Operation Basadi will continue during the year and victims of abuse are reminded that each and every police station has a victim support centre to assist them.

Senior police members at the roadblock. Back, from left: chair of the Women's Network, Joyce Sakati; Brigadier Zuki Matumbu; Mario Ferreira (Gift of the Givers Foundation); Brig Phumzile Cetyana and Brig Lillian van Wyk. Front: Lt-Gen Lineo Ntshiea; Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili; Lt-Gen Thembisile Patekile; Lt-Gen Yolisa Mokgabudi and Maj-Gen Nomthetheleli Mene. Photo: Kristy Kolberg