By REGINALD KANYANE
11 February 2025- The police in Northern Cape said Gender Based Violence (GBV) at Higher Learning Institutions is a significant concern that affects many students, particularly women, LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalised groups. The police said the most common forms of GBV at colleges, includes serial assaults, harassment and sexual offences.
ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said institutions have a critical role in preventing GBVF, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable through partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other entities. Masegela said the police in Upington, is embarking on programmes with Upington TVET College, which started on 5 February 2025, where students were addressed on matters relating to GBVF, substance abuse and general conduct at the institution.
“The students were informed about prevention methods both from becoming a victim or an offender. The Forensic Social Worker attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Upington, Captain Allaetitia de Radder, gave a brief explanation of the different forms of sexual offences they are dealing with and categories of victims and offenders in such cases.
Meanwhile, the Upington Station Commander, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, encouraged students to report any form of Gender Based Violence, to stay focused and safe. Coetzee pledged his commitment to create a safe learning space for students by continuous and frequent engagements, as well as high visibility at the campus.
The Guardian 