PORT ALFRED – In an effort to address the high numbers of reported domestic violence, gender-based violence and substance abuse cases, Eastern Cape Police and internal organizations within SAPS comprising of Women’s Network, Men for Change and Junior Management Core have been deployed at Port Alfred and Makhanda to conduct crime-fighting and multi-disciplinary awareness campaign on substance abuse and gender-based violence today, 09 April 2021.

Sarah Baartmaan District, especially Port Alfred and Makhanda recorded high numbers of gender-based violence cases in the last release of the crime statistics for the last quarter of financial year 2020/2021 and it was one of the reasons senior management saw a need for such an intervention.

The operation began today with a parade at Makhanda and Port Alfred where members paraded and deployed to conduct school and community awareness campaigns. Amasango Special School at Makhanda was visited to create awareness to the learners about sexual offences. Community Policing Forum members were also present.

At Nemato township in Port Alfred, a door-to-door campaign was conducted through community engagement.

Twenty two (22) homes were visited and police interacted with 42 people at Port Alfred.

Three (3) J534’s were issued to alcohol traders for contravention of Liquor Act. Each paid fine to the value R2000 each as admission of guilt.

While enforcing compliance to road rules, one motorist was found guilty for contravention of the road rules and was issued with a traffic valued at R500.

One warning was issued to a (16) years old minor for smoking dagga inside the house as reported by his mother.

At Makhanda, nine male suspect with outstanding warrants were traced and arrested for crimes varying from malicious damage to property, theft, assault, breach of a protection order as well as shop lifting.

Through this intervention police hope to fight the scourge of drugs by arresting the peddlers and creating awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. Alcohol and substance abuse are key drivers and contributing factors in many cases of domestic and gender-based violence.

These multi-pronged intervention will continue and will be rolled out to other districts with the hope of making an indelible mark in the fight against crime, gender-based violence and substance abuse.

Source: South Africa Police Service