CAPRICORN DISTRICT – The South African Police Service Capricorn District Commissioner, Major General Lesiba Mashilo, today accepted the operational plan for women in law enforcement during the month of August, through an organised march in Polokwane, under Capricorn District policing area.
The march was accomplished as a result of inter-disciplinary collaborative efforts between the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, Traffic Police and Correctional Services; as well as Disaster Management and Fire Services. The march commenced from the SABC Park, along Landros Mare Street, Bodenstein Street, Church Street and arrived at Jack Botes Parking where an all women parade took place alongside the official proceedings.
The purpose of the march was to launch and hand over the operational plan for Women’s Month Operations and to address concerns that cause women in law enforcement to be overlooked and hindered from contributing their undisputed peculiar and productive professional qualities that women often bring to law enforcement, when afforded equal opportunities to perform required action to the tasks that accompany the job.
The march was led by Capricorn District Commissioner, Major General Lesiba Mashilo, Deputy Capricorn District Commissioner Brigadier Sivhula, Polokwane Station Commander Brigadier Maloma and Seshego Station Commander Brigadier Shirinda; as well as Correctional Services Commander Lieutenant Colonel Botopela and Capricorn District Municipality Executive Mayor Mamepudi Teffo.
In his address, Major General Lesiba Mashilo mentioned that we as law enforcement agencies need to do more, the primary goal of creating a safe and secure environment for all people living in Capricorn District and beyond, whilst creating an environment that accepts women into all roles within law enforcement to utilise their skills in the fight against crime. “The SAPS continues to with all issues that are confronting our communities, in particular, the Gender-Based Violence; which our Provincial Commissioner has introduced the “Gender-Based Violence Action Plan”, directed funds towards equipping Officers with relevant skills, implemented the Victim Empowerment Programme and brought in stakeholders in order to deal with this problem”, concluded Major General Lesiba Mashilo.
Capricorn District Municipality Executive Mayor Councillor Mamepudi Teffo said that she has witnessed the determination made by government institutions and law enforcement agencies in the province to include more women who possess the required capacity and qualities to perform and produce results on the job. “Transformation in law enforcement should go beyond protecting women from crime but also intensify access to opportunities in law enforcement ranks including promotion opportunities to female Officers and recruitment of women into law enforcement. Such transformation would be a huge milestone and our communities would be pleased knowing our law enforcement agencies are accommodating women who qualify for distinguished jobs by their merits”, concluded Councillor Mamepudi Teffo.
Sergeant Mosima Lekota read the South African Police Service Code of Conduct with courage, rigour and immaculate sequence.
The SAPS Band performed alongside the parade and concluded the march with the South African National Anthem.
