| 2024/08/10 |
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Media Statement
POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, and women in law enforcement convened at Khoroni Hotel in Vhembe District to engage in a dialogue, on Thursday, 08 August 2024. The event was honoured by the presence of Mphaphuli Tribal Authority, Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, District Commissioners, ‘Retired Generals’, Department of Transport and Community Safety, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Correctional Services, Professors, Men For Change, Women’s Network, EHW, CPF, Station Commanders, members from different units and stations, GBVF Ambassador, and other stakeholders. The purpose of the event was to engage in a dialogue and to officially launch women’s month multi-disciplinary Operation Basadi in the district. Various speakers from SAPS, Women’s Network, Men for Change, Department of Transport and Community Safety Department of Home Affairs, Department of Correctional Service reflected on Women empowerment agenda. Subsequent to messages of support and encouragement, a Gender Based Violence Ambassador was also afforded a platform to address the attendees. He narrated a heart breaking incident where he apparently had marital issues with his wife, and Police were involved. According to him, he got scared and ended up killing his three children in September 2004. He attempted to commit suicide but it was not successful. He was arrested, sentenced to 62 years, until he was released on parole in October 2019. His message was that let’s seek help when we experience problems in our intimate relationship without being violent. Keynote address was delivered by Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. She appreciated everyone presence, including the Mphaphuli Tribal Authority, sponsors of the event being Sanlam, Liberty, and Old Mutual and CPF board. She encouraged women to support each other and to work tirelessly when given tasks. She advised the attendees to respect everybody irrespective of their level. She also awarded members who outstandingly performed their duties, such as Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, Station Commanders, and members for always going beyond the call of duty. They received gifts hamper and certificates. The launch of Operation Basadi in Vhembe District was held at Thavhani Mall, whereby law enforcement agencies, both women and men, painted the area during the parade. The parade was addressed by Premier of Limpopo Province, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, MEC of Transport and Community Safety Ms Violet Mathye, and Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. During their address, they all required the women to stand firm, work hard, and inform at least someone when they experience problems in their romantic relationships because GBVF is still the biggest enemy across the country. Community members who witnessed the launch were encouraged to report criminal activities to the Police. Provincial Commissioner handed out an Operation Basadi plan for this August to the Premier. Operations Basadi are activated. Ends
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