The Duduza police led an awareness campaign against Gender Based Violence in three 3 areas in Duduza on the 3rd of March. The awareness campaign comes after a number of rape cases that were reported especially from the John Dube Village area which is next to the Vlakfontein cemetery. They were joined by police from different areas, the Duduza police also partnered with various stakeholders including the Department of Community Safety, the CPF patrollers, the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, the Men and Women as safety Promoters, as well as the Life Line and Ebandla Men’s Forum.
The main objective of the campaign was to inform the community of John Dube about high risk areas where criminals would take advantage of the residents and attack them. A foot path was identified as being preferred by the residents compared to the main road to reach or exit the area. Issues pertaining to the deficit of basic and health services were put forward.
The police educated communities on how to be safe in their neighborhoods and also warned people about the dangers walking alone at night. The various stakeholders also engaged with the local Councillor to assist in cutting the grass which normally plays a big role in criminal activities as criminals would hide themselves in those lengthy grasses.
The campaign also saw the stakeholders going door to door in the areas of Masechaba and Bluegumview in Duduza, alerting and empowering the community about services which are available and also encouraging people not to look away when acts of Gender Based Violence are committed within their areas.
By Vuyokazi Bam
