Police station revamps facilities for victims

MANENBERG Police Station welcomed the relaunch of its victim support room, after it had undergone a major revamp to improve its service.

The facility received painting, a child-friendly mural, new furniture, blinds, carpets, a heater and a fan.

Refurbishments amounted to R18 000 and formed part of a Business Against Crime Western Cape and Spar initiative.

The organisation’s Shawn Koen said: “We have been wounded by crime in our areas. A fresh-smelling room brings hope, love and joy. We wanted to create a feeling of comfort and safety.”

The room had an orange colour scheme, which Koen said a group of psychologists had chosen, as it brought a feeling of “hope”. The room had eight dedicated volunteers who were on standby 24/7, to offer counselling and support to victims.

Seven of them are women and one is a man.

Volunteer Glenda Southgate, 56, said: “A better environment will help us give our victims a better service.”Deputy Police Minister Bongani Mkongi said: “Victims can only find peace if we defeat their enemy. Their enemy are criminals. We are here to support, it is our priority to look after victims. The rooms are separate for victims as we cannot expect a rape victim to tell their story in front of people.”

Western Cape Police Commissioner Khombinkosi Jula said the crime rate in the area had been reduced since April last year.

“This station was one of the hot spots, we have changed that… We need to change the perception the community has about the police,” he said.

Community activist Roegshanda Pascoe said: “We need more trauma rooms in every community because we are in crisis mode. It is on each and every individual to keep everybody safe.”