Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL with images here, here, and here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Free State Department of Community Safety to ensure a more effective oversight of police stations in Jacobsdal and surrounding areas, specifically with regard to the mechanisms for the prevention of GBV-related crimes and the successful capture of perpetrators.
The Jacobsdal community has experienced a distressing rise in gender-based violence and sexual offences in the area. Recently, the DA marched with the women of Jacobsdal to bring awareness to the issue. Participants called for the strict enforcement of existing South African laws intended to safeguard victims, laws that, tragically, are too often inadequately upheld.
During the march, several alarming concerns came to light, including systemic justice failures, intimidation and coercion, childhood trauma, perpetrators’ impunity, and the erosion of community trust.
The DA has a policy to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) can easily access the help they need. This means providing them with important support services, such as healthcare, legal assistance, shelter, and essential items like dignity kits. Only then can we ensure that every woman and child gets the protection, dignity, and justice that South Africa’s democracy promises.
Residents of Jacobsdal must vote for a party that cares about their lives and dignity in the upcoming municipal elections. Only under a DA government will we see dignity being restored to communities and a change in the lived reality of Jacobsdal residents.