Crime fighters united against abuse

SATURDAY marked the final day of the annual ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign, which draws national focus on the plight of women and children who suffer abuse.

During this time, pro-active campaigns are spearheaded by a variety of government departments, businesses and non profit organisations – uniting their voices to call for an end to abuse.

On Thursday, the Empangeni SAPS together with Empangeni CPF and Nite Owl security got together in the Sanlam Centre parking lot to bring the campaign into sharp focus.

‘As a local security provider with a vested interest in our community, we today pledge our support of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign,’ said Nite Owl Security’s Johan Brand.

‘No person deserves to be subjected to violence whether it be at the hands of family in domestic disputes or strangers during criminal activities such as assaults or during robberies and hijackings.’

The campaign also contained a fitness programme presented by Ejimini. As Brand explained, a healthy body equals a healthy mind which equals a healthy community.

City of uMhlathuze deputy mayor Silondile Mkhize chatted to the ZO while taking a quick break from her exercise.

‘The campaign to stop abuse and violence towards women and children should be a 365 day effort,’ she said.

‘Too often we are seeing that people who are being abused do not talk. But they must speak so that those organisations such as the SAPS, Social Development and even the Department of Health can act to assist them,’ she said.

‘We also ask that people be especially cautious and aware during the festive season, when criminals are more likely to strike.

‘But as a whole, we want each and every person to raise their hand and say ‘no to abuse, no to violence’. There is no place for these things in our community.’

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