Fezile Dabi regional SAPS elects Men4Change, Women’s network to combat crime

As the country is on verge of losing the battle due to the high crime rate, the Fezile Dabi has elected new task force, comprising of dedicated men and women set to fight all elements of crime in the district.

The proud men and women in blue, were on Wednesday, June 8, elected to their new roles, as they will form part of the district’s Men For Change and Women’s Network.

Fezile Dabi District deputy commissioner, Brigadier Mapulane Mbeloane welcomed all members present at the meeting.

She emphasized that she highly expects that these platforms will assist in the fight against crime.

Mbeloane also addressed the officers in attendance and highlighted how “Sometimes change come in different actions, said Brig Mbeloane.

She alluded that police officers should act not for the sake of receiving a pat on the shoulder, but rather to do so in serving the Kingdom of God.

She introduced the current committee members of Women’s Network structure in the Fezile Dabi District.

She further motivated members by saying that for us to succeed we need to work as a team and not only become part where good results are achieved.

“As a patron it is my duty to also be part of the planning until execution to show my commitment as well,” said Mbeloane.

By her side, it was the Free State police spokesperson and Men for Change provincial champion, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, who introduced police officers accompanying him from the provincial office.

Makhele gave the district a round of applause for outstanding attendance, and he also provided a brief synopsis detailing the background of both structures was given.

He said objectives of both the structures were highlighted as in accordance with strategic activities of the police service and the government.

He addresseds issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) head-on, prevention risk of suicide and homicide amongst police officers, forging strong bonds between men and women.

Makhele also encouraged men and women in leadership to mentor junior members in the organisation

He further asserted that membership in both structures is open and everyone is welcome.

“However it should not be because one is forced to represent an officer but rather should be a passion for one to lead in both of these structures,” said Makhele.

“I hope these two structures will be a platform for us to bring change and leave a positive impact to those we come across.

“We may not be as established as we would fully want to be, however, that cannot be a stumbling block for us to perform our duties.

“Some of these duties may not be directly focused on the organisation itself but rather also performing acts of kindness to the community members we serve at large,” he added.

Makhele reiterated that both structures will form one team and draft the plan which will be submitted on the 30th June 2022 to the Provincial Office.

Men for Change elections were conducted and the Committe has been elected as follows:

Chairperson – AC Lerato Nyelele (Koppies)
Deputy Chairperson – AC Sekini Khauoe (Kroonstad SAPS)
Secretary – Const Sello Mafale (Oranjeville SAPS)
Deputy Secretary – Captain Thabo Semela (Parys)
Treasurer – Sgt Fani Moloi (Villiers SAPS )
PRO – Sgt Eliah Maribe (Viljoenskroon)

In closure, Makhelepromised to be a phone call away should police officers need any assistance with execution of their duties in a district.

His counterpart, Mbeloane, gave the vote of thanks to conclude the election and launch.