Faith and community unite against gender-based violence
Meyerton SAPS joined community safety partners at God On Earth Church on 23 August for a Spiritual Crime Prevention Awareness programme focused on gender-based violence, support services and safer communities.
The programme brought together Meyerton SAPS, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Agape Lerato, the Midvaal Local Municipality Fire Department and victim support representatives.
Guest speaker Charmaine Leotlela from the Department of Community Safety addressed challenges faced by women, drawing on a scripture from 2 Kings. She encouraged women to support one another and spoke about the role of faith in navigating difficult circumstances.
Agape Lerato representatives also informed the congregation about services available through the Meyerton Victim Friendly Room, including emotional support for victims.
Meyerton SAPS Sector 1 Manager Cst Millicent Jelani highlighted the importance of partnerships between police and residents in strengthening community safety.
“Working together will build safer communities,” Jelani told the congregation, adding that residents could approach her with crime-related concerns affecting the sector.
Meyerton SAPS Social Crime Prevention Coordinator and Communication Officer Cst Nompumelelo Zazini said tackling gender-based violence required more than police intervention alone.
“Gender-based violence and femicide remain serious challenges in our communities, and addressing them requires all of us to work together. Police, stakeholders, families and community members all have a role to play in creating safer spaces for women,” said Zazini.
Meyerton SAPS Domestic Violence Coordinator W/O Seipati Mohlapholi was also part of the programme.
.The awareness session reinforced the need for coordinated intervention between police, government departments, community organisations and residents to address violence and improve access to support services.
