A dedicated officer in blue, Strand police’s Warrant Officer Nico Beukes, who served as programme director, wears many hats at the local station, including acting as spokesperson, putting shoulder to wheel in a social crime-prevention capacity and stepping up as a victim-support coordinator. He aims to facilitate access to a wide variety of services for those suffering harm or trauma as a result of violence.
Reverend Nobantu Soloshe (Employee Health and Wellness) was honoured to engage guests with a scripture reading and prayer. The devout spiritual leader invoked the presence of the Holy Trinity, expressing gratitude to God for His everlasting love, for the divine plan that brought the victim support room to fruition, and for His abundant grace and mercy. Soloshe also prayed for guidance over the Strand police officers as they continue to serve the community compassion.
Acting Visible Policing (Vispol) Commander Captain Crispian Meyer warmly welcomed esteemed guests, colleagues, and community members to the milestone occasion. He extended a special welcome to the guest of honour, Colonel Tasswell Paulse, representing top management. Meyer added that Paulse’s presence underscored the vigilant oversight that ensured continued dedication to duty while nurturing relationships with the community served.
Jannie Frieslaar, chairperson of the Strand Community Policing Forum (CPF), delivered a special message of support. He shared that the relaunch celebration evoked memories of his mother, a victim of abuse at the hands of his father. He said despite working hard as a domestic worker and parenting 11 children, she received no respect from him as a woman. “My mother endured unbearable pain and there was no-one there for her. There are women, children and other community members who go through the same pain. The opening of the victim-support room says we are here and we care. And, thank you for this.”
Strand Station commander Colonel Khunjulwa Khanyile started her address by inviting the crowd to belt “Be bright in the corner where you are” out along with her. She welcomed guests to the opening of the VEP room, where any victim of abuse or trauma and those longing for the love they don’t receive at home can feel free to open up and break the silence. She called on community members to step-up and join the ranks as victim-empowerment volunteers to ensure the VEP room is a functional addition that serves its purpose. “Without this valuable assistance the room remains an empty vessel,” she said. “The opening of the VEP room is our way of pledging that we are here for the community.”
Lieutenant Colonel Tasswell Paulse, Provincial Commander: Social Crime Prevention, thanked the community for coming out in support of the opening of the victim support room, which serves as a sacred place where victims of violence and trauma can exhaust the last of their courage to report a crime in confidence and a dignified manner, without being subjected further victimisation. The VEP room operates with an open-door policy, aiming to assess a victim’s needs, whether it involves filing a criminal charge or providing comfort through a listening ear. Paulse emphasised that the VEP room is an extension of the police’s service delivery and urged the community to rate the service they received to ensure quality. He said the last thing wanted is for someone to turn to the police and then have to lodge another complaint because the officers did not do their jobs.
The newly refurbished Victim Empowerment Room, located next to the Strand Police Station’s Community Service Centre, serves as a safe haven for victims of violence and trauma. It provides a secure environment where individuals can report incidents of crime and receive compassionate support.
Spiritual leader Apostle Manfred Jumat concluded the event with a closing prayer.
