[In Picture] 21 February 2024 - The residents of Phutanang were invited to attend the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) hosted by various stakeholders such as the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Department of Social Development, Hawks, SAPS, Thuthuzela Care Centre (NGO), Department of Education, Commission for Gender Equality and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) at the Victory Celebration Church in Kimberley.

The objective of the VEP was to bring awareness on the susceptibility of community members being at risk of Gender Based Violence and Femicide by those known and unknown to them, bullying, human trafficking and to follow -up on NPA reported cases as well as the role played by each stakeholder. Community members engaged on critical issues and listed an array of concerns and challenges plaguing their community amongst a few; the lack of community member’s involvement and participation in crime prevention initiatives, alcohol abuse, GBVF cases and SAPS reported cases. The community members suggested recommendations in order to assist counter GBVF and Human Trafficking.

On that day, community members were empowered with the knowledge on how to address these social ills which continue to ruin the moral and social fabric of our communities. Information guides and pamphlets on GBVF, Human Trafficking and Bullying from various stakeholders were distributed during this initiative. The community members were urged to play an active role and participate in crime prevention initiatives through organised community structures in order to combat crime. Ms. C Bantom on behalf of the Provincial Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) Forum thanked community members for their participation on this programme and all stakeholders present.