SAPS Raises Alarm Over the Safety of Women

KIMBERLEY – The recent spate of serious and violent crimes committed against women across the country remains a matter of grave concern.

Against this backdrop, the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape is appealing to women across the province to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution to safeguard their personal safety and well-being.

Practising personal safety measures can save lives. Women are urged to:

Remain crime-conscious and be aware of potential crime opportunities at all times.

Avoid walking alone and exercise caution when approached by strangers.

Be alert to unfamiliar or suspicious vehicles and persons in their surroundings.

Walk along well-lit and busy streets and, where possible, travel in groups.

Stick to main roads and avoid isolated routes.

Always inform a trusted person of where you are going and when you expect to return.

Trust your instincts and leave situations that make you feel unsafe.

Lock your vehicle doors immediately after entering your vehicle.

If you suspect that you are being followed while driving, proceed to the nearest police station or another safe, busy location instead of driving directly home.

Share your live location or travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member when travelling or going out.

Avoid walking while wearing earphones or earbuds at a high volume, as this can limit your awareness of your surroundings.

The recent reports of missing persons are also a concern.

The investigation of missing persons remains a priority for SAPS, and the public is reminded that there is no waiting period before a missing person can be reported.

Prompt reporting and an immediate response can be crucial in ensuring the safe recovery of a missing person.

When reporting a missing person, the following important steps should be followed:

Report the missing person immediately at the nearest police station.

If possible, provide a recent photograph of the missing person.

Provide details of the person’s last known whereabouts, as well as a detailed description of the clothing the person was last seen wearing.

Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This assists SAPS in verifying the missing-person report and provides authorisation for the distribution of the missing person’s photograph.

Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details and provide the officer with any additional information that may assist the investigation.

If the missing person is located or returns home voluntarily, notify the investigating officer immediately.

SAPS urges members of the community to remain vigilant, take reasonable precautions and report any suspicious activity or persons to the police without delay.

Trust your instincts. Stay alert. Stay safe.