Tag Archives: The Frances Baard District Commissioner

Police in Northern Cape call on public to assist in combatting GBVF

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Community members attending Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) campaign/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 January 2025- The police in Frances Baard District in conjunction with the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, supported by the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board, as well as the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), embarked on a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) awareness campaign at Tello’s tavern in Club 2000 on Friday.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said activation of the programme is part of the Northern Cape Police Commissioner’s commitment towards the fight against GBVF that was initiated during 2023. Sam said in outlining the purpose for the day, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari cited that these ongoing awareness programmes at taverns aim at addressing challenges relating to GBVF related crimes in collaboration with tavern owners and their patrons.

“Stakeholders raised numerous issues ranging from alcohol abuse, responsible gambling, domestic violence, victim support, access to justice, protection orders, parental values, changing social norms and issues pertaining to vulnerable groups,” he said.

The Deputy Provincial Commissioner (DPC) for Corporate Services, Major General Thabo Mphuthi, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commenced by saying, taverns are intended to be establishments for responsible socialising, but has noted with concern that they are steadily becoming hotspots for violent contact crimes.

“The police and the community must take collective responsibility to ensure that taverns are safe areas to socialise. We need to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach across all societal sectors in ensuring that our girls, and women and vulnerable groups are protected from GBVF.

“Communities must stop the colourisation of violence, starting at our homes by treating the boy and the girl child equally and collectively provide care and support to survivors of GBVF,” said Mphuthi.

She further said perpetrators of GBVF should be held accountable through a strengthened criminal justice system, including tavern owners taking precautions to stop GBVF crimes at their establishments. Mphuthi added that, everyone must work towards raising societies that are free of GBVF through educating communities, challenging and correcting stereotype views, and creating a culture of respect.

Meanwhile, Ngubelanga shared the same sentiments. Ngubelanga said the community committed to working together with the police, by joining the established CPF structures at their sectors and reporting any criminality to the police.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police officers who lost their lives while in line of duty remembered during a prayer session

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The police who lost their lives while in line of duty remembered/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 September 2024- The Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari accompanied by the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Major General Steven Mabuela, Senior Officers, Components Heads and members, together with the Religious Fraternity, held a prayer service at Full Gospel Church in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 26 September 2024 to commemorate Police Safety Month.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the day was also used to remember those police officers, who have lost their lives while in line of duty. Shemane said the programme was directed by Chaplain Seturumane and the welcoming address, as well as the purpose of the day was delivered by Chaplain Pudule from Provincial Employee Health and Wellness, Spiritual Services.

“The inter-religious faith representatives from different denominations prayed for the SAPS Provincial Management, for prevention of police killings, for mental illness and well-being of members, and the eradication of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“Major General Makgari and Major General Mabuela led the candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of WO Dipipenyane, Sgt Masilo and Constable Mandindi, who lost their lives in line of duty during the previous financial year,” he said.

Shemane further said Arch Bishop Mofokeng in delivering the sermon, he encouraged members to not only protect themselves physically, but spiritually as well.

Meanwhile, Major General Charlotte Makgari, delivered an address on behalf of the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and stated that whenever police are faced with adversity, prayer should be their only hope as it provides the police with fortitude and strength to strive forward.

“I want to address two critical issues affecting the organisation, such as ill-discipline and extortion. Ill-discipline undermines police effectiveness, erodes public trust and compromises the mandate to serve and protect.

“It is crucial that police uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times. The police officers must understand that such behaviour is unacceptable and illegal,” she said.  

Makgari said it tarnishes the police reputation and violates the rights of the communities the police serve. She also encouraged the police to wear their bullet proof vests, ensure that their firearms are loaded and well-oiled and be alert at all times.

“We encourage all police officers to work together to restore and maintain the integrity and credibility of the police,” said Makgari.

taungdailynews@gmail.com