FREE STATE — Free State treasury MEC Ketso Makume has warned that seemingly harmless sexual jokes and casual insults can escalate into violent behaviour, and urged communities to organise neighbourhood structures to protect vulnerable women.
Provincial pledge and a new committee
Makume spoke on Tuesday at the planetarium on Naval Hill in Bloemfontein during a provincial campaign against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) that gathered government officials and other stakeholders under the theme
"Stand together against GBV, Let’s End Silence"
The MEC led a prayer session and delivered a public pledge against GBVF as concern mounts following recent violent incidents, including the discovery of women's bodies in Kempton Park and an alleged attack on a young couple near the Uitsig Cemetery in Bloemfontein.
According to the report, a video circulating on social media alleges a woman was stripped, assaulted and nearly raped in Memorial Street; the couple reportedly escaped with help from a passer-by. The provincial government has responded by establishing a committee to coordinate GBV-related interventions.
Which departments are involved?
Makume said the committee brings together several departments and agencies to ensure a joined-up response. The main participants reported are:
- SAPS (police) — law enforcement and investigation;
- Department of Social Development — victim support and prevention programmes;
- Health Department — medical care and forensic services;
- Other provincial departments and stakeholders — for coordination and community outreach.
| Entity | Primary role |
|---|---|
| SAPS | Investigations, arrests, protection orders |
| Social Development | Psychosocial support, shelters, referrals |
| Health | Medical care, post‑exposure prophylaxis, forensic examinations |
Improved handling of rape complaints, Makume says
Makume told the gathering that the handling of rape complaints in the province has improved, citing greater awareness among male police officers of how to deal sensitively with survivors. She said provincial efforts also focus on ensuring victims know what steps to take after an attack and what assistance should be available when they report incidents.
She repeated a call for communities to be vigilant, urging residents to set up local structures capable of identifying risks and supporting potential victims so violence can be interrupted before it escalates.
Survivors share experiences
The event included testimony from two survivors of sexual violence. One was identified as a former Park Road police officer who was raped by a religious leader; the perpetrator was sentenced in 2023. Their presence underlined the continued need for public awareness, survivor-centred responses and access to justice.
What this means for residents
For residents of Bloemfontein and surrounding towns, the provincial push signals a few practical steps:
- Report incidents promptly to the nearest police station; the province says it is working to streamline procedures for survivors.
- Look out for neighbours and consider forming or joining community safety forums or neighbourhood watches to identify risks early.
- Access medical and counselling services immediately after an incident; health facilities provide care and evidence collection that can support prosecutions.
Makume's statements come amid heightened public attention to GBVF nationally. Provincial co‑ordination between law enforcement, health and social services is a recognised best practice for improving outcomes for survivors, but it requires trained personnel, resources and consistent community engagement to be effective.
Photos accompanying the report show the prayer session and attendees at the planetarium; the images were credited to Kekeletso Mosebetsi.
Provincial authorities say they will continue community outreach and work with stakeholders to strengthen prevention measures and survivor support. Updates on the committee's work and any specific local programmes are expected as the province implements its plan.
