Frances Baard police launch GBVF awareness campaign at tavern
THE FRANCES Baard District police, in partnership with the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, hosted a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) awareness campaign at Tello's Tavern in Club 2000. The initiative was supported by the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board as well as the National Prosecuting Authority.
According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, the activation of the programme on January 17 is part of the Northern Cape provincial commissioner's commitment to combating GBVF, an effort that began in 2023.
During the event, Frances Baard district commissioner Major-General Charlotte Makgari explained that these ongoing awareness campaigns aim to tackle GBVF-related challenges in collaboration with tavern owners and patrons. She emphasised the importance of such programmes in addressing the root causes of these crimes.
Various stakeholders highlighted key issues, including alcohol abuse, responsible gambling, domestic violence, victim support, access to justice, protection orders, parental values, shifting harmful social norms, and supporting vulnerable groups.
The deputy provincial commissioner for Corporate Services, Major-General Thabo Mphuthi, along with the deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection, Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga, pointed out that while taverns are meant to be spaces for responsible socialising, they are increasingly becoming hot spots for violent crimes.
Major-General Mphuthi said the police and the community must take collective responsibility to ensure that taverns remain safe spaces. “We need to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach across all societal sectors to ensure that our girls, women and vulnerable groups are protected from GBVF.”
She further urged communities to address violence at its roots by treating boys and girls equally at home and collectively supporting GBVF survivors. She also called for greater accountability, emphasising the role of a strengthened criminal justice system and urging tavern owners to implement measures to prevent GBVF crimes on their premises.
In her closing remarks, Major-General Mphuthi pleaded for a united effort to build societies free of GBVF. She stressed the importance of educating communities, challenging harmful stereotypes, and fostering a culture of respect.
Community members at the event pledged to support the police by participating in CPF structures within their sectors and reporting any criminal activity.
