Nyanga police and several local organisations held a special service outside the local police station on Monday 1 August to launch the Women’s month celebrations.
The event was organised by the Spiritual Crime Prevention Unit (SCPU) – an organisation of all the religions under the South African Police Services (Saps).
The event was also attended by some community organisations including the Nyanga Community Policing Forum, Nyanga Neighbourhood watch, Cesvi Foundation and Nyanga police youth desk.
Chair of the SCPU in Nyanga Rev Mawande Lugongolo said the aim was to thank and appreciate women in the country. He stated that the unity stands with the gender-based violence (GBV) victims. “We are saying No to GBV. Enough is enough,” he said and urged women to stand up for their rights. He appealed to men to be at the forefront of the fight against GBV.
“Men need to be part of these initiatives that are fighting GBV. They mustn’t talk in the dark corners. And they must speak out,” said Lugongolo.
Ward 37 councillor Sandile Martin praised women for being strong and fighting for their rights. He urged them to report anything that is suspicious to the nearest police station.
“Let’s stop abusing women and children. We need to respect our women. When she says no, that means no,” said Martin.
When City Vision phoned the Nyanga Police Station commander Col Siphiwo Sithonga on Tuesday 2 August for a comment he refused to answer and asked us to go to the station.
“I’m working here, I’m busy with the residents. Can’t you come here at the station instead of phoning me because I’m always here till late?” he asked.
