By BAKANG MOKOTO
29 October 2025- The Northern Cape police said incidents of contact crimes in the province are cause for concern. The police said it is against this backdrop that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging residents to be vigilant and alert during the festive season period.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they urged the public to adhere to safety hints in preventing contact crimes and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Shemane said parents need to know the whereabouts of their children at all times.
“Parents are urged not to leave young children unattended. Do not send small children alone to tuck shops / shops and always make sure they are accompanied by an adult. Remember that if a child is missing, there is no waiting period to report a person as missing. Time is of the essence, so it should be done immediately.
“Parents urged to never let their children swim in the pool, dams, or rivers alone and unsupervised. Do not leave buckets/ containers filled with water, where children have access to it. Stay alert – awareness is your best defence. Always leave venues with friends wherever possible,” he said.
Shemane further said they should never accept drinks or lifts from strangers. He added that they should take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around.
“Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you are in trouble. If you have been sexually assaulted, don’t shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence. Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of contact crimes. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption so that you can give a clear account of what happened.
“Never leave your drink unattended as it could be tampered with, leaving you a victim of date rape. Don’t physically intervene in fights – you could get injured yourself, rather call for police assistance. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone, remember however, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence. Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or the police for assistance,” said Shemane.
He said silence enables violence and reports of incidents of criminality. Shemane said people should report any form of contact crimes and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to the nearest police station, or call the SAPS Crime Stop Number on 08600 1011.
“The SAPS will be tightening the grip on all criminal activities during the festive season and beyond and adopting a zero tolerance approach. The SAPS in the province will be combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement,” he said.
The Guardian 