Police welcome new PE victim support centre
A new child-friendly, victim support facility aimed at helping specialist sexual offence detectives has been launched in Port Elizabeth.
The facility, launched yesterday, was added to the Motherwell Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) building. While each station has a victim support centre, the Motherwell facility is equipped with state-ofthe- art video and sound recording equipment.
Two rooms, fitted with one-way glass, will be used by social workers and detectives to interview young victims and record sessions in consultation.
The Motherwell FCS deals with sexual related investigations, as well as child abuse in areas like KwaDwesi, New Brighton, Swartkops, Kwazakhele, Paterson, Ikamvelihle and Kinklebos.
The initiative was funded and arranged by Old Mutual and non-profit organisation Matla A Bana. Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said when interviewing minors who had been abused, a child-friendly environment played a vital role.
“A friendly and welcoming support centre is vital for someone who has been traumatised.”
“This will go a long way in terms of speeding up arrests and also ensuring a conviction,” he said.
At the handover, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga, said: “Children are the heritage of our nation, they are like a spear in the hands of a warrior.
“Anyone who touches them is not only inflicting torture on them but is, equally, devastating the whole nation.” Ntshinga said partnerships with businesses were vital in the fight against crime.
“We [the police] must cultivate and nourish this kind of relationship to benefit future generations.”
Matla A Bana founder Monique Strydom was held captive for four months by al-Qaeda rebels during a diving holiday in Sipadan, Malaysia, in 2000 with 20 other hostages.
After her release, she vowed to help other South Africans – and be a voice against child abuse. There were colourful murals on the walls of the support facility and toys, Strydom said.
