KWANONQABA NEWS - In collaboration with community activists Walter Blaq and Theo Vundisa, as well as Old Mutual, the KwaNonqaba Police paid a visit to the Lingelihle Old Age Centre in KwaNonqaba on Friday 20 March, in honour of Human Rights Day, which was celebrated nationally the following day, 21 March.
The group spoke to the KwaNonqaba community’s senior citizens who frequently visit the centre about the importance of their human rights, especially as a vulnerable group.
Sergeant Salome Marais, a social crime officer of the KwaNonqaba Police, encouraged them to report cases of abuse and seek out a protection order with the police.
“The KwaNonqaba Police will assist you with applying for and completing protection orders,” she said.
Other representatives of the station, such as Sergeant Pottie Potongwana, who deals with cases of domestic violence, and Mivuyo Mofu, who manages the Youth Desk at the KwaNonqaba Station, also informed the senior citizens of their roles in the community and how they will assist anyone seeking help.
The chairperson of the Lingelighle Old Age Centre, Elizabeth Solo, is thanked by KwaNonqaba community activist Walter Blaq. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz
Although Mofu manages the station’s Youth Desk, she is able to assist the community with applications for protection orders.
Marais and the other speakers gave examples of what an abusive situation might look like, physical or otherwise; a grandchild (or anyone else) becoming physically violent with their grandparent, or taking money from the elderly without their knowledge or permission.
The senior citizens were encouraged to report such instances either directly to the police or to the chairperson of the Lingelihle Old Age Centre, Elizabeth Solo, who will contact the police on their behalf.
Kennedene Michaels, a representative of Old Mutual, spoke to the senior citizens about safely managing their money and maintaining insurance plans with the company.
Blaq thanked the KwaNonqaba senior citizens for their sacrifices towards building the society South Africa currently lives in and enjoys.
The group ended the event by enjoying muffins, jaffles and juice.
The group of KwaNonqaba senior citizens visited by the police. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz
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