KNYSNA NEWS - Dressed in black and holding candles, community members, stakeholders and SAPS personnel gathered outside the SAPS offices in Knysna on Friday (18 September) to stand in solidarity with victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

The gathering followed the recent killings of nine women in Gauteng and was also a tribute to all victims of violence.

For 30 minutes, the group stood in silence, remembering those who have lost their lives and calling for stronger action against GBV.

Cheryl Botha, chairperson of the Knysna Community Police Forum, urged men to take a firm stand against violence against women.

“All men must stand up and do their part,” she said.

Botha also stressed that women must be able to move freely and use public spaces without fear.
“Women should not have to choose between their safety and their health,” she said. “Women must be free to exercise, walk and run without fear.”

Representatives from KILT, Simenthemba, various NGOs, the Noleen Fountain of Hope, SAPS Spiritual and Youth Crime Prevention, Kadag, Epilepsy South Africa, EdenFM and councillor Jason White attended the gathering.

Botha said while criminal justice strategies were essential, reducing GBV would take time and communities needed to create safer environments for women and children. 

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’