Empowering communities to stay safe throughout the Festive Season was among the key aspects of an Operation Basadi (women) carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Basadi” means women in several local languages.
Wednesday’s awareness campaign that took place in Tembisa in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, saw women from various SAPS units, supported by partners from different law enforcement agencies, the Community Police Forum (CPF), Youth Crime Prevention Committee, Spiritual Crime Prevention, and the Women’s Network, continue to stand united.
“This initiative combines operational and proactive measures aimed at protecting, serving, educating, and empowering communities to stay safe throughout the festive season,” said the police.
The SAPS further added that community members came out in their numbers to participate in the campaign and stakeholders delivered messages of support on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy, equipping the community with vital information.
The second phase of the day involved a door-to-door campaign in the same locality, during which pamphlets were distributed and community concerns were documented.
“Residents highlighted several pressing issues, including: high levels of GBVF and substance abuse, poverty and the abuse of elderly citizens, whose social grants are often misused by family members and loan sharks.”
All cases and concerns raised were referred to the relevant departments for further intervention.
Earlier this month, Operation Basadi activities were also conducted in Sterkspruit where role players continued their outreach around the local mall and taxi rank, engaging directly with community members and raising awareness on safety and crime prevention.
Joe Gqabi District Commissioner, Major General Lindelwa Vellem, acknowledged and commended the combined efforts of all stakeholders during the Safer Festive Season operations. She emphasised that Operation Basadi is not only about law enforcement, but also about building strong partnerships with communities.
“We want our communities to know that the SAPS is here - ready, present, and committed. We call on our communities to take our hand and stand with us as we work together to ensure a safe and secure Festive Season,” she said.-SAnews.gov.za
