Latest news with #FamilyViolence
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Wedela SAPS educates learners on child safety during National Child Protection Week
In commemoration of National Child Protection Week, observed from May 29 to June 5, members of the Wedela SAPS extended their support and educational efforts to local schoolchildren. The initiative was led by Sergeant Zikhona Sifuba, Social Crime Prevention Officer, who was accompanied by Sergeant Matsietsi from the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. The team visited Wedela Primary School, where they engaged with learners from Grades 1 to 3, delivering vital information on child safety and abuse prevention. They were joined by dedicated staff from Wedela's Victim Friendly Room (VFR): Hazel Nyembezi, Dimpho Lehoko, Thato Mogole, Athandile Sihlwayi, Tsogo Seleke, and Lubabalo Peyi. 'The purpose of the visit was to talk to the learners about child abuse and how they should protect themselves,' said Sgt. Sifuba. 'Most importantly, they must know they can report such cases, even if it's their uncle, father, brother, or neighbour who is touching them in a way they don't like.' The outreach impacted 244 learners, with the team encouraging them to speak to their teachers or ask for help in contacting the police if they felt unsafe or experienced any form of abuse. The session empowered children with the knowledge that their voices matter and that help is always available. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote awareness and ensure the safety and well-being of all children in the community. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga teen girl charged for lying about rape ordeal
The girl fabricated the story to conceal her visit to a male friend. On Wednesday, Mpumalanga police were sent on a manhunt for two men who were driving a black VW Polo from Dullstroom to Lydenburg on Sunday on allegations of rape. However, this turned out to be a smokescreen. According to Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a 16-year-old girl reported to police that she was hitchhiking on Sunday and got raped after being given a lift by strangers. 'According to the report, the female victim was from Dullstroom, heading to Lydenburg, when a black VW Polo with two male occupants stopped and offered her a lift. She then accepted the offer,' said Mdhluli on Wednesday. ALSO READ: These are Gauteng's hotspots for murder, rape, kidnapping, carjacking and house robbery 'After passing Coromandel, the driver diverted the vehicle into a secluded area. The passenger allegedly covered her mouth with a cloth emitting a chemical smell, causing her to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, she realised the passenger was busy raping her.' A case docket was opened and assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation. At the time, acting police provincial commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, promised the public that the members assigned to investigate would hunt down the suspects until they were brought to justice. 'She lied' However, there was no rape case to investigate and consequently, no suspects to arrest because this was a fabricated story. Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said on Friday that the 16-year-old girl had been charged with perjury after investigations revealed that she fabricated the entire story. ALSO READ: Crime stats: SA records decrease in murders but increase in rapes 'The FCS Unit immediately launched an investigation into the case, which had attracted significant public attention. However, during the course of their investigation, it was established that no rape had occurred. The girl eventually confessed that she had visited a male friend and, fearing her parents' reaction, chose to lie about being raped,' said Ndubane. Mkhwanazi expressed deep disappointment at the false report and issued a stern warning to the public about the seriousness of making false statements to the police. 'We will not show mercy to individuals who open false cases. The crime statistics for the last quarter of 2024/2025 indicate an increase in sexual offences. It is therefore extremely concerning and disheartening when people abuse the system by reporting fake cases. These actions waste police resources and undermine our efforts to fight gender-based violence, which we treat as a top priority. ALSO READ: GBV, femicide receiving 'priority attention', says Gauteng police commissioner 'False reports insult the real victims of GBV, who are genuinely suffering and need our support. We urge members of the public to work with us honestly. Anyone found to be providing false information will be charged. We will not hesitate to make an example out of such individuals.' Mpumalanga rape stats Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently released the fourth-quarter crime statistics and revealed that three Mpumalanga police stations were among the top 30 stations with reported cases. These are Masoyi, Calcutta, and Kabokweni police stations, all located in the Ehlanzeni district, which have recorded an increase in their cases. Most incidents occurred in the residences of either the perpetrator or the victim, with 362 cases recorded, followed by public places, with 161 cases. NOW READ: Justice department's poor record-keeping delays protection orders for GBV victims – AG
ABC News
6 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Pets will no longer be considered property in family law disputes
When a relationship ends, you're sometimes faced with dividing possessions from the house down to the toaster. And traditionally, if you had to go to court to work it out, your pets would be included on that list of property, too. Eve Smith, a collaborative international family lawyer and pet custody expert, says in the eyes of the law, animals have long been "considered the same as a dining table and chairs, or car, or boat". "It really came down to whose name the dog or cat was in: who bought the animal?" That will no longer be the case across Australia from June 10, when the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 comes into effect. It provides a new framework for determining ownership of the family pet in property settlements. "Now it's not only whose name the animal is in, but other factors are taken into account such as who walks the dog, feeds it, takes it to the vet, pays for medical expenses," says Ms Smith. "And would the animal be better off with that party?" The amendment also includes a significant change for victim-survivors of family violence, says Monique Dam. She's the CEO of Lucy's Project, a national charity that aims to improve the safety of people and animals experiencing domestic and family violence. "[The court will have to consider] whether a person has used family violence against the other person, inflicted cruelty or abuse towards the companion animal, and whether a person or child of the marriage is attached to the companion animal," says Ms Dam. She says because perpetrators often harm or threaten to harm animals "to control the woman and children who love them", women may end up at risk while trying to protect their pets. "Women make the difficult decision to live out of their cars with their children and animals, or delay leaving a violent partner [because they don't want to abandon the pet]. "It is a really positive shift that courts will now need to consider family violence and cruelty towards a companion animal when making decisions about who should own the animal." Katy Barnett is a law professor at Melbourne University and hopes the changes will mean a "best interest for all approach", where the welfare of parties, any children, and the pet are all considered. "Animals are sentient beings. And often people have a particular emotional attachment. "You can't divide an animal up." Disputes about pets in family law are commonly about dogs, explains Ms Smith, and sometimes arrangements might involve the pet passing between two homes. She says the law changes means these arrangements will be analysed more closely. "It might be great for the children, but it might be too demanding on the pet who might actually need some downtime at home with one parent," she says as an example. Would the law change have made an impact in a breakup you've been through? Share with us: lifestyle@ The court will also look at who can best take care of the animal. "You need someone to be active with it, someone who will walk it, and feed it, that the pet isn't left at home all day," Ms Smith says. Veterinary behaviour specialist Kersti Seksel says finances should also be considered. "Like kids, pets come with illnesses that have to be paid for. And we don't have Medicare for pets." Accommodation is another factor. "If you're in a rental you may not be able to take a pet, or if you live in a 10-storey block of flats, is that suitable for the animal?" Laws aside, sometimes knowing what is best for the animal requires trial and error between the parties, Dr Seksel says. Especially if "sharing custody". So, where possible, if the situation is safe to do so, she recommends they "assess how the pet is coping, and be flexible in the arrangement".
The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Dullstroom teen raped after catching lift with strangers
A 16-year-old girl was raped after being given a lift by strangers in Lydenburg on 1 June at approximately 16:00. According to a media statement issued by the SAPS, the female victim was from Dullstroom, heading to Lydenburg when a black VW Polo, with two male occupants, stopped and offered her a lift. After passing Coromandel, the driver diverted the vehicle into a secluded area where the passenger allegedly covered her mouth with a cloth emitting a chemical smell, causing her to loose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, she realised the passenger was busy raping her. A case was opened and assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation. The suspects are still at large and police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that may assist in locating and apprehending the suspects to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Gabsile Mlangeni on 078 751 3463. Alternatively, people may share information by calling the Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send details via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has promised that the members assigned to probe this incident, will hunt down the suspects until they are brought to book. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- The Citizen
Tiny bags, big comfort for traumatised kids
Children who have been exposed to severe trauma have a difficult life, and the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference. Matla A Bana is a national charity organisation focussing on supporting children who report rape and abuse against them. According to their project manager, Lizel van Eden, this very NPO recently had a community get-together known as Red Day to support these children. Also read: Red Day event at the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court 'Matla A Bana is proud to be part of community-driven projects, and on May 8, we once again witnessed how the business community dedicated their time for Red Day. The aim is to make a difference in the lives of children exposed to severe trauma,' she explained. 'In South Africa, the most predominant age of child rape victims are between the ages of five and 12. We were blessed with 100 comfort packs, and these packs were received by the Krugersdorp Regional and Children's courts as well as the Krugersdorp police's Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit. 'A comfort pack makes a direct impact in the life of a raped child,' she said. Lizel concluded to thank everyone involved for this incredible donation during the month they focus on child protection. If you want to donate to Matla A Bana's cause, click here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
