KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka today visited the Kokstad Police Station in the Greater Kokstad local municipality where he assessed the capability of this facility in handling cases related to gender-based violence.
Hlomuka’s visit marked the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against the Abuse of Women and Children Campaign in the Harry Gwala District where he serves as the political champion. Hlomuka encouraged staff at the police station to be sensitive to the cases involving gender-based violence. The police station accounts for the highest number of gender-based violence cases in the District with 142 and 66 cases of child abuse all reported in the previous financial year.
“We are very concerned about the high number of incidents that relate to gender-based violence reported within this district. We also have cases where young women are kidnapped in the name of ukuthwala, that is marrying off school-agee girls against their will. We want our policemen to act with haste where incidents like this are reported,” said Hlomuka.
The MEC also engaged with the community of Shayamoya at their local community hall where he called upon all residents to play an active part in the fight against the abuse of women and children.
“The fight against gender-based violence is one that we all have to play a part in. It is your duty as a citizen, a neighbour, a friend or a family member to report the abuse of women and children. As a society we are judged by how we treat our most vulnerable; the rights of the most vulnerable within our society are to be protected by all of us,” said Hlomuka.