From the news desk

Roadblocks to target maintenance defaulters during 16 Days

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The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD) has once again partnered with the South African Police Services, Master’s Office and Community Safety for their Isondlo Operation in line with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. At the launch on Thursday, the department’s Advocate Hishaam Mohammed briefed media on the various activities which will be conducted over this period.

“We are responding to our community, particularly women and children who gave us a message during Women’s month to improve our efforts when it comes to the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, especially enforcement of protection orders and to those parents to book who fail to pay maintenance,” Mohamed explained.

Around 10 000 protection order applications are submitted in the Western Cape each month. Mohammed told journalists that these numbers indicate a greater need to secure those most vulnerable in society.

The operation will be carried out in communities all over the province.

He further explained that the campaign aims to ensure effective execution of civil remedies as provided for in the Maintenance Act.

“We want to create awareness and educate communities, especially women on issues relating to domestic violence and the victim’s charter,” Mohammed continued.

During the roll out of the campaign over the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the department and its partners will be conducting a series of roadblocks, Imbizo’s and march demonstrations to highlight the plight of women and children.

Furthermore, Mohammed told VOC News that police, in conjunction with the department will embark on an operation to clamp down on maintenance defaulters.

“In next week some time, we will be going out into the Southern Suburb communities of Cape Town, with around three hundred law enforcement officials to carry out warrants for the arrest of maintenance defaulters,” he added.

Mohammed says no amount of police officials can address the deeper rooted issues of domestic violence. Calling on the parents, teachers and employers, Mohammed said the only way to fight the scourge is to educate and create awareness around the lasting effects of gender based violence. (Ra’eesah Isaacs)


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