14 February 2024 - The Civilian Oversight unit, together with the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Office, conducted a round table discussion to engage on pivotal matters regarding GBVF, at the Van Zylsrus Full Service School.

The aim of this event is to educate the community of Van Zylsrus about crucial steps to prevent and aid against GBVF. Community members were given an opportunity to share their grievances and concerns pertaining to GBVF, SAPS reported cases, and other social issues. Furthermore, SAPS briefed the community members on various preventative measures regarding GBVF, as it is known to be a scourge that needs collective intervention.

One characteristic of GBVF is that has no boundaries and can affect any person irrespective of their gender, sexuality, socio-economic background and age-group. One of the speakers, SGT. Chankane, urged and pleaded with community members not to protect perpetrators of GBVF, but to contact SAPS, in order to open a case. She emphasised the importance of obtaining a protection order against the perpetrator. In order to fight against the GBVF scourge, it will require a community-based, multi-pronged approach and a sustainable engagement with multiple stakeholders.

The event was attended by the departmental stakeholders known as South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Health officials (DoH), Community Policing Forum (CPF), EPWP volunteers, Youth Against Crime (YAC) and Community in Blue (CIB).