Students from Eastcape Midlands TVET College in Heath Park took to Stanford Road on Tuesday, 25 August, in a passionate plea for authorities to tackle escalating crime and gender-based violence plaguing their community.
Student Liaison Officer Victor Jantjies, who organised the event, said it was time the community stood up against rising crime.
“There is a diverse range of crimes taking place, from rape to kidnapping and murder of women, which have become more prevalent,” he commented. “Gun violence, drugs and gangsterism are tearing our communities apart and having a negative impact on them.”
He explained that they hoped to raise awareness, especially during Women’s Month.
“We want to raise awareness about the violent crimes that are escalating in our areas,” said Jantjies. “Safety is not only the responsibility of the community, but we also as students need to mobilise behind the community and speak out about these heinous crimes.”
Jantjies, who hails from Bethelsdorp, called on police to be more proactive in fighting crime.
“It is not only affecting the community outside, but our own students are being victimised, and it is about time that the police do something about the crime.”
Anastatia Thorne, a 25-year-old student from Bethelsdorp, said they have had enough of violence in their community.
“We are saying, enough is enough,” she shared. “A few weeks ago, the community had to bury a five-year-old who was raped and murdered.”
According to Thorne, the community simply does not feel safe.
Meanwhile, student Keesha McPherson shared how the simple act of walking down the street fills her with fear.
“I am scared because anything can happen and nobody does anything about it,” she said. “I feel as though I’m constantly living in fear.”
For student Siyolise Tshazibana, she’s had enough of the gender-based violence prevalent in the community.
“We’ve all had enough because women are being kidnapped; women are being cut into pieces, and with GBV we are all suffering, men and women,” she shared. “We do not feel safe where we live, with our own families, our friends, the malls… We don’t feel safe.”
Her hope is that the police will be able to curb crime.
“We want them to hear our cries as women.”
