SAPS members are urging victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to report police officers who dismiss or belittle their concerns.
This call to action was made at the re-opening of the Justice College in Tshwane, now renamed in honour of Brigitte Mabandla, a pioneering activist and South Africa’s first female Minister of Justice.
Mabandla’s fight against apartheid and her contributions to drafting the country’s constitution are a stark contrast to the harsh reality faced by women and girls today.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls globally, with over 40 000 reported rape cases each year.
However, many more cases go unreported due to victims’ fear of poor police training or indifference.
Police Constable, Thabang Nkhumise, said it’s important that victims report bad policing and make use of the SAPS Service Complaint Centre.
As demands for an end to gender discrimination grow, Constable Nkhumise stressed that treating gender-based violence victims with dignity is a societal responsibility.
Lack of access to justice
Disability activists attending the event spoke out against the lack of access to the justice system, citing broken lifts and crumbling courtrooms as major obstacles.
They’re demanding the transformation of government buildings to ensure equal access to essential services.
The Chairperson of the Disability Desk at the Department of Justice, Mandla Ngwenya, highlighted the daily struggles people with disabilities face in accessing government buildings.
With only two disabled individuals holding cabinet positions, Ngwenya emphasised the need for greater representation in power to drive progress. Written by Naomi Kobbie
Written by: Lindiwe Mabena
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
10:00 pm - 12:00 am
12:00 am - 3:00 am
3:00 am - 5:00 am
5:00 am - 9:00 am
COPYRIGHT 2023