MOSSEL BAY NEWS - An anti gender-based violence activist has condemned the transfer of a volunteer worker to another police station after he assaulted a woman police officer.
On Friday, 28 August, the Mossel Bay Advertiser published an article about the incident.
The volunteer worker in the victim support facility at KwaNonqaba Police Station was transferred to a "neighbouring" police station, police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie said.
The Advertiser learnt confidentially that the woman officer required stitches to her wound after the assault.
Activist Vuyolwethu Mfumbe lambasted the transfer of the suspect and the fact that he was still working at a police station, where there was a possibility he could assault another person.
He said: "Women are not safe. August was supposed to be Women's Month in our country, but women and girls are still suffering at work, in the community, at schools. Our country fails women many times.
"As a local activist, I'm angry. That man should have been suspended with immediate effect, not moved to another police station. He is dangerous. Let us protect our women," Mfumbe said.
The police volunteer was charged with assault and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and appeared in court on 26 August. Captain Pojie said about the suspect: "The person has got current clients who are in his trust and he needs to further assist and complete his supporting role."
Mfumbe appeared on SABC television news after the murder on 6 June of a Mossel Bay woman, Naledi Phangindawo. She was attacked with a knife and an axe. Mfumbe led anti gender violence demonstrations in Mossel Bay, acting as a spokesperson for the community, after the murder. These demonstrations, under the banner #Justice for Naledi, made national news. Mfumbe has also supported Phangindawo's family in court. He is a family friend.
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