Sergent Ngidi, AC Mthembu and Constable Zondi
Lt Colonel Bruwer of the iLembe district office
Kwadukuza SAPS successfully launched a Women’s Safety Hand Guide during the month of August for Women’s Month. The Women’s Safety Hand Guide, is a detailed brochure to ensure that women never let their guard down, and ensure that they are safe wherever the go.
The hand guide promotes safe practices for women, especially when going out at night or driving in the night, and contains a QR Barcode, which will assist you in downloading the ‘My SAPS App’ to find your closest Police Station in a case of an emergency.
The Women’s Safety Hand Guide, highlights the following safety tips:
-When going out, never leave your drink unattended.
-Avoid being alone in a vehicle when travelling at night.
-Never stop around hijacking hotspots or any secluded areas.
-Do not pick up hitchhikers, particularly when you are driving alone.
-Avoid distractions, such as being on your phone or drinking and driving.
-Always be on the look out for suspicious people or vehicles and watch your surroundings.
-Do not ask strangers for directions, rather check with a law enforcement official or security official in the area.
-Do not carry too much of money when going to Restaurants or bars.
-Do not leave your residence during curfew times unless you have been granted permission.
-If you’re walking by yourself, never use your cell phone or chat on your cell phone as it could be a huge distraction.
-Always memorise all important and emergency numbers.
-Always let somebody know where you are going and how long you will be gone out.
-Think twice before posting your location on social media – criminals also have access to Facebook and other social media applications.
Kwadukuza SAPS Station Commander, Brigadier SF Mhlongo urged women of the community to adhere to the Women’s Safety Hand Guide Safety Tips, to ensure that they are always safe and protected at all times.
“Women of the community are urged to download the ‘My SAPS App’ and keep it on your cellphone in cases of emergencies, as it will assist you in locating your closest police station, and always keep emergency numbers listed on your phone and in a little note book in your handbag”, she said. “Women who are victims of crime are urged to report it to your closest police station immediately, reporting a crime will assist the SAPS in arresting the perpetrator, and will prevent the cycle of vicious crime”, she added.