Temba - National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega has slammed criminals who target women, children and the elderly, saying they do not belong in South Africa.
"Crimes against women, children and our grannies are unacceptable and those who commit those crimes have no place in this country," she said.
Phiyega was speaking during a visit to the Odirile Mentally and Physically Disabled Children's Centre, in Temba, Hammanskraal, as part of the Operation Basadi (meaning women). The centre currently provides fulltime care for 65 children with mental or physical disabilities
Operation Basadi is a crime combating operation commemorating Women's Month, focusing on priority crimes, particularly crimes against women and children.
The national police commissioner joined the main operation in Pretoria, while other operations ran concurrently in all nine provinces.
Phiyega stressed the important role women and children had to play in South African society.
"A nation without the builders which are women; without children, which are the people to take the baton forward; without the senior and executive council - the old women, is a failing nation. I do not want to believe South Africa is a failing nation," she said.
She was particularly vocal about the recent spate of rapes targeting old women, saying tracking down those rapists would form part of Operation Basadi.
"I am even ashamed to talk about that [the rapes]... Leave the old women alone. Give them peace," she appealed.
Other focus areas of Operation Basadi include combatting the selling and smuggling of drugs and searching for dangerous weapons used to attack and kill women, children and vulnerable groups.
Phiyega noted that South African women faced many challenges, particularly when it came to health, rural development and safety and security.
"In addition, patriarchy remains a serious stumbling block to the emancipation of women across the South Africa society," she said, adding that ensuring the safety of women, children and vulnerable groups was a top priority for SAPS.
"I am convinced that if we as a society work diligently in every other area of life and neglect the family, it would be analogous to attending a wedding ceremony without a bride," Phiyega said.
She called on all South Africans to help police make the country safer, particularly for women and children.
The Gift of the Givers was also present at the centre to hand over much needed items.
