By OBAKENG MAJE
15 September 2025- The police in Sutherland together with the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) successfully hosted a worship and inspiration function focusing on Women Empowerment and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness. The event was held on 14 September 2025, brought together 160 women from local communities, including 14 female police officials and Public Sector Administration (PSA) women from the Karoohoogland area.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the programme featured worship and praise services led by the SAPS Chaplain Baard and Reverend Vlok, creating a supportive and inspirational atmosphere for attendees. Magerman said the Chairperson of the Sutherland Community Policing Forum (CPF), delivered the welcome address and simultaneously provided important feedback to the community regarding CPF related matters.
“The central theme of the gathering focused on critical issues affecting women, specifically Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with emphasis on empowering women to find their voice and encouraging them to be brave in speaking out against abuse and violence.
“This collaborative initiative between SAPS and the CPF demonstrates the ongoing commitment by presenting pivotal feedback to the community during engagements such as this,” he said.
Magerman further said the success highlighted the importance of community partnerships in addressing social challenges and supporting vulnerable members of society.
The Guardian 