Tzaneen Municipality tackles crime in Muhlava-Cross

The Greater Tzaneen Municipality [GTM], in partnership with Ritavi SAPS, hosted a crime awareness campaign at Muhlava-Cross.

The focus was on Gender-based violence after Crime Statistics put JB Village as a hotspot for GBV crimes.

Commander of Operations at Ritavi SAPS, Jeffery Ngobeni, shared alarming statistics. He revealed that from November 2023 until the end of February 2024, Ritavi Police Station registered eleven reported cases of rape from JB alone.

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He said that the figures underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat GBV and safeguard the well-being of all community members.

Acting Mayor Councillor Sophy Raganya delivered a stirring address. Urging victims of GBV not to suffer in silence but to bravely report incidents to the authorities.

She emphasized the vital role of neighbours in identifying and addressing instances of abuse within their communities, highlighting the importance of community solidarity in tackling GBV.

Thapelo Mkhonto, a GBV survivor, shared her story of horror. Mkhotho said her stepbrother started raping her when she was only 11 years old. Mkhotho, who now has a foundation focused on assisting victims of rape, said she tried to end her life on several occasions, but through the help of others, she survived to tell her story. She encouraged the community to support victims of GBV, more especially rape victims.

TZANEEN MUNICIPALITY HOST CRIME AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN MUHLAVA-CROSS

The event featured presentations from various stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Education, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Correctional Services, the Ritavi Community Policing Forum, and the Community Safety Forum (CSF).

The presentations provided valuable resources and guidance to empower community members in combating crime and promoting safety.
Attended by approximately 500 residents and stakeholders, the crime awareness campaign was a robust community engagement and collaboration platform.

As part of its ongoing commitment to crime prevention, the Greater Tzaneen Municipality hosts similar campaigns every three months, strategically targeting crime hotspots in partnership with the SAPS.

In conclusion, the Acting Mayor, Councillor Raganya, reaffirmed the municipality’s dedication to prioritizing community safety and well-being.

“By facilitating dialogue, raising awareness, and fostering community involvement, the municipality aims to create a safer and more secure environment for all residents,” Said Raganya.