Linden SAPS Champions 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Towards Women and Children

The Linden Police Service (SAPS) has officially kicked off its 16 Days of Activism campaign, emphasizing the urgent need to combat violence against women and children. This initiative also coincides with efforts to foster a safer festive season in Windsor.

Colonel Shaid Abdool, the commander of Linden Police Station, highlighted the importance of empowering children to vocalize their experiences of violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. He stated, “The most vulnerable among us need to know that the SAPS, alongside community stakeholders and the Community Policing Forum (CPF), maintains a zero-tolerance approach to these issues. We are committed to supporting victims of such heinous crimes, and our operations extend far beyond these 16 Days.”

The 16 Days of Activism serves as a crucial platform to mobilize community members, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities: “If you see something, say something.” The campaign aims to foster a culture of vigilance and support.

Colonel Abdool encouraged communities to speak out about their concerns and assured them that trained personnel at the station were ready to assist. “Our community volunteers run our Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desks and Victim Support Unit, providing sensitive care and privacy for all GBV-related issues. We also offer advice and referrals to additional services through our partnerships with expert organizations.”

As part of the safer festive season initiative, proactive policing strategies will be implemented. These include high-density operations targeting crime hotspots, routine patrols, and community engagements to ensure the safety of public and private spaces during the holiday season.

Key Focus Areas

The Linden SAPS initiative targets several key areas:

• Prevention of crimes against vulnerable groups and addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
• Combatting aggravated robberies and trio crimes.
• Proactive efforts to combat illicit drugs and counterfeit goods.
• Enforcement of laws concerning firearms, liquor, second-hand goods, and public safety.
• Application of regulations related to hijacked buildings.
• Prioritization of road safety, including measures against drunk driving and unsafe vehicles.
• Strict measures against extortion, which carries severe legal penalties.

Colonel Abdool and CPF chairperson Annelize Tischauer commended all stakeholders, volunteers, and personnel for their collaborative efforts in ensuring effective strategies are enacted at the station level. This community-driven approach is vital in the fight against violence and crime.

With this campaign, Linden SAPS aims to empower communities to take a stand against violence and to ensure that the festive season remains a safe and joyous time for all.