×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

'Cops must believe in laws that protect women'

VIVA: Deputy Minister of Provincial and Local Government Nomatyala Hangana lights a torch of peace to symbolically kickstart the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Child Abuse in Tshwane yesterday. The campaign will officially start on November 25 and go on until December 10. It will focus on and highlight the abuse of women, children and men. With Hangana is Deputy Minister of Safety and Security Susan Shabangu, her foreign affairs counterpart Fatima Hajaig and the National Prosecuting Authority's Thoko Majokweni. 17/11/2008. © Unknown. Pic. Kendridge Mathabathe.
VIVA: Deputy Minister of Provincial and Local Government Nomatyala Hangana lights a torch of peace to symbolically kickstart the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Child Abuse in Tshwane yesterday. The campaign will officially start on November 25 and go on until December 10. It will focus on and highlight the abuse of women, children and men. With Hangana is Deputy Minister of Safety and Security Susan Shabangu, her foreign affairs counterpart Fatima Hajaig and the National Prosecuting Authority's Thoko Majokweni. 17/11/2008. © Unknown. Pic. Kendridge Mathabathe.

Anna Majavu

Anna Majavu

The government campaign for no violence against women and children was launched amid growing concerns about the police's ability to deal properly with the more than 52000 rape cases reported a year.

Foreign Affairs deputy minister Fatima Hajaig, Safety and Security deputy minister Susan Shabangu, and Provincial and Local Government deputy minister Nomatyala Hangana launched the 10th "16 days of activism for no violence against women and children" at the Union Buildings yesterday.

Shabangu said police need to "internalise" laws that protect women and children, such as the domestic violence and sexual offences acts.

"If the police don't believe in the laws that protect women, we will continue to encounter problems," she said.

Hangana called on the public to help reduce "alcohol and drug abuse" which she said contributed to domestic violence.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.