Linden SAPS Launches 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children

In a passionate initiative to combat violence against women and children, Linden SAPS has kicked off its 16 Days of Activism campaign, aiming to promote a safer festive season in Windsor. This effort is a significant step towards creating awareness and encouraging community participation in tackling these critical issues.

Linden Police Station’s commander, Colonel Shaid Abdool, highlighted the overarching goal of this initiative: empowering children to speak out against violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. “The most vulnerable members of our society need to understand that we, in collaboration with our community stakeholders and the CPF, uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards such crimes. Our support extends to victims of these horrific acts, and our commitment to this cause transcends the designated 16-day period,” he emphasized.

The 16 Days of Activism serves as a prime opportunity to strengthen community engagement, encouraging individuals to ‘see something, say something.’ Colonel Abdool stressed the importance of community involvement in preventing violence against women and children.

He encouraged all community members to voice their concerns, assuring them that trained personnel at the station are ready to assist. “We have dedicated community volunteers at our Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desks and the Victim Support Unit, who approach every GBV case with the sensitivity and privacy it necessitates. Our team also provides advice and referrals to expert services within our network,” Colonel Abdool stated.

The initiative for a safer festive season encompasses proactive policing strategies, focusing on high-density operations in crime-prone areas, routine patrols, and community engagement activities. These efforts are geared towards ensuring the safety of both public and private spaces during the holiday season.

Key Focus Areas

The focus areas for Linden SAPS’ campaign include:

• Preventing crimes against vulnerable groups and addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
• Combating aggravated robberies and trio crimes.
• Proactively countering illicit drug trades and counterfeit goods.
• Enforcing regulations related to firearms, liquor, second-hand goods, and safety at public events.
• Addressing issues related to hijacked buildings through by-law enforcement.
• Prioritizing road safety, particularly against drunk driving, speeding, and the use of un-roadworthy vehicles.
• Tackling extortion as a serious crime, which carries significant penalties.

Colonel Abdool, along with CPF chairperson Annelize Tischauer, expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders, volunteers, and personnel who have united to implement these strategic operations at the station level. Their collaborative efforts are instrumental in fostering a safer environment for all residents.

This campaign not only amplifies awareness regarding violence against women and children but also reinforces the essential role of community solidarity in combating these grim realities. The Linden SAPS stands firm in their commitment to ensuring safety and support for the community, aiming to make an impactful difference in the lives of those they serve.

Stay informed and engaged with our community by following us on social media platforms.