Waterval: The fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) intensified in Vhembe District, one of Limpopo's most affected areas, as senior police leadership joined community members for a crucial Crime Prevention Imbizo on Friday, 19 September 2025. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, alongside Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Jan Scheepers and Vhembe District Commissioner Major General Eddy van der Walt, led the community mobilization at Waterval Community Hall-a decisive call to action to strengthen the fight against GBVF and all criminal activities.
According to South African Police Service, the initiative brought together key stakeholders including Acting Executive Mayor Councillor Mamedzi MA, traditional authorities, government departments (Home Affairs, LEDET, Traffic, Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Safety, Correctional Services), Community Policing Forums, Young Civilians on Patrol (YCOP), and local community leaders. Prior to the Imbizo, SAPS leadership conducted a compliance inspection at Waterval Police Station, assessing operational challenges and ensuring effective service delivery to communities.
The presentation of crime analysis highlighted pressing concerns: vulnerable elderly citizens targeted during grant withdrawals, often relying on strangers for ATM assistance; civil pensioners falling victim to online banking scams; undocumented foreign nationals seeking farm employment; substance abuse among unemployed youth; and gender-based violence and femicide. During the community engagement, District Commissioner Major General Eddie van der Walt emphasized collective responsibility: "Everyone must play their role in supporting SAPS to end GBVF. We urge the community to raise their concerns-together we can make a difference."
Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers delivered a stern warning to corrupt officials: "We will not allow anyone to tarnish the image of our dedicated men and women in blue. Use your voice as a weapon-report crime until action is taken. We cannot allow criminals to run our streets." Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe stressed accountability and urgent intervention: "Our purpose is to listen, take responsibility, and act on community concerns. Corruption within our ranks and lack of community engagement threaten our mandate. It is imperative that communities trust us to protect them and deliver justice."
Acting Executive Mayor Councillor Mamedzi MA called for community action: "Work with government and police by addressing unoccupied houses that harbor criminals. Parents must stop covering for children bringing unexplained property home. Together, we must end Gender-Based Violence, Femicide, and substance abuse." Advocate Emmanuel Mukhari, representing Chief Advocate Njhakanjhaka, praised the SAPS leadership's community outreach and urged continued collaboration between tribal authorities, police, and residents to create safer communities.
This Imbizo represents a critical step in Vhembe District's comprehensive strategy to combat GBVF and restore community safety through collective action and accountability.