The Deputy Minister of Police Mr Cassel Mathale today, on Friday 12 August 2022 visited Limpopo Province to host a Ministerial Imbizo on Bullying, Gender Based Violence and Femicide and to mainly engage with the community of Ga-Sekororo in the Maake policing area, Maruleng Municipality under Mopani District on Crime affairs that are affecting them on daily basis.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Kgoshi Sekororo wa Banareng ba ga Sekororo, MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Polly Boshielo, Executive Mayor of Maruleng Local Municipality Councillor TC Musolwa, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Major General Mamotheti representing the Division , Policing and Operations , Major General Mulaudzi representing Division Forensic Services and Crime Detection, Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Policing Major General Jan Scheepers, Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala, Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Jozi, District Commissioners of Mopani, Vhembe, Capricorn and Waterberg. Police Management from National, Provincial, District and Station levels formed part of the event. SAPS brass band entertained the masses who graced this remarkable occasion, CPFs, CSFs,YAC as well as other Stakeholders from various entities completed the composition of the event.
The main event was held at Kanana Super Eleven Sports Ground in Belleville village. The community members as well as learners from different Schools attended in numbers. Different speakers delivered messages about the pressing issues relating to scourge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide and Bullying affecting communities.
As part of community engagement, residents were given the opportunity to raise questions and comments. The panel led by Deputy Minister of Police therefore responded precisely and effectively.
The Provincial Commissioner also dedicated a team of officials from the SAPS Provincial Inspectorate to record all the key points raised during the discussion which included lack of Police resources, urgent need for a Police Station and Satellite Police Station, more enforcement on liquor Act Compliance, prevalence of Gender Based Violence, Stock theft and cable theft, support and prioritisation of Community Crime based structures such as CPFs and CSFs and Intensifying school safety programmes, with the view of making a follow up including the proper interventions.
The community members and various Stakeholders also took the opportunity to commend the Police for their determination and positive involvement initiatives aimed at addressing crime in this area.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Police Mr Cassel Mathale urged communities to join the Police in the fight against crime by participating in various community crime based Structures and to report any illegal activities immediately to the Police. The Deputy Minister further addressed Crime against women and children and called on men to refrain from violent acts but instead protect and love their families.
In conclusion, he encouraged the learners to prioritise education, stay focused and avoid being involved in drugs and bullying or any other criminal activities.
The main event was preceded by a courtesy visit at the Sekororo Traditional Council and a briefing session. The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe gave a brief presentation of the crime situation in this area before handing over to the District Commissioner of Mopani Major General Willy Mashava to conduct a power point presentation on Crime Situation in the District, which indicates sexual offences and violent crimes against women and children as some of the challenges.
Source: South African Police Service