FF REINET – The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene brought down the curtains on the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children in the Sarah Baartman District.
On Friday, 9 December 2022 simultaneous operations dubbed “Operation Vala Konke” were held in six towns across the district (Graaff Reinet, Willowmore, Cookhouse, Somerset East, Jansenville and Klipplaat). A total of 55 people were arrested for crimes ranging from housebreaking and theft to possession of dagga. A total of 213 mandrax tablets and 128 bompies of dagga were seized. An estimated street value of the illicit drugs confiscated is R 16 000. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Police also seized two handmade firearm pistols, a rifle part, copper wires and cash.
On Saturday, 10 December 2022, a community engagement was held in Graaff Reinet, where the community was addressed in the form of a Youth Dialogue, which was held at Fred Hufkie Sports Ground, Graaff Reinet. The objective was to address challenges of abuse of women and children. Currently, the area is known for its high incidents of Gender Based Violence.
The dialogue created a platform for local youth to share their views on how some of the social ills could be avoided, which were discussed in commissions.
The Mayor for the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, Councillor Sefers during his welcoming address, set the tone and mood for the occasion, as he cited challenges that are faced by women and children, such as human trafficking, rape, and generic abuse.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Mene in her address, added, “Having listened to constructive deliberations by the Youth and responsive inputs by the panellists, I realised that Graaff Reinet needed this day. I also realised we dare not forget our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers, boys and girls in the peripheral areas. I am glad to be here so that victims of gender based violence must know that the police is only a phone call away and that the time to be silent is over.”
Source: South African Police Service