Safe shelter for crime victims
These were the words of Richards Bay police officer, W/O AB Mathonsi who visited the site of the proposed facility in Mzingazi
THE presence of a shelter for victims of abuse will not only benefit the community of Richards Bay but the Zululand region as a whole.
These were the words of Richards Bay police officer, W/O AB Mathonsi who visited the site of the proposed facility in Mzingazi.
He said police do not only have the responsibility of investigating cases but often have to place victims in a safe environment when they have nowhere else to go.
The facility is the brainchild of Community Policing Forum representative Sharon Mdletshe, who has cleared a piece of land on her property for the proposed Eagle Wings Shelter.
Mdletshe has however been struggling to get the project off the ground owing to lack of funding.
‘This facility will help relieve police in the region who are often faced with the task of finding a safe place to house abused woman and children,’ she said.
A volunteer at the Richards Bay police station trauma room for over 18 years, Mdletshe has had first-hand experience in dealing with people affected by trauma, abuse and violence.
‘I believe all these years of working in the community have prepared me to take on this task; there is no crime I have not seen so I have been prepared to deal with any situation.
‘I have also a number of times taken victims into my home because they had nowhere else to go. I do it because I was called to do this and I’m always available to lend a hand for the benefit of those who need our help,’ said Mdletshe.
She said the shelter, which will be located along Lake Mzingazi, will feature a nursery, lounge, rooms and office space for a full time counsellor.
‘Having worked with the police for many years, I have empathy for them when they have witnesses who come to court but have no overnight facility where they can stay.
‘Sometimes the court cases are not finalised and witnesses have to travel back home and return the following day; if we could accommodate them this will save time for our officers.
‘They need to be able to get assistance 24/7 and be able to place women and children if and when they need to,’ Mdletshe said.
She called on corporates and community members to help build the facility.
‘I am inviting locals to come on board and assist me with this project. They can call or text me on 083 8723384.’
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