‘Look out for one another’: Northern Cape police issue tavern safety appeal

THE NORTHERN Cape police have urged people leaving taverns and other entertainment venues to plan their journeys home and look out for their friends, in a safety appeal that also stresses that no relationship or previous consent gives anyone the right to force another person into sexual activity.

The SAPS appeal is directed particularly at women travelling late at night or in the early morning, with advice to arrange reliable transport, avoid isolated routes and seek assistance when threatened.

“No person has the right to force another person into sexual activity, regardless of their relationship, marital status, previous consent or circumstances,” the police said.

The warning addresses circumstances reflected in several cases recently reported by the DFA, including attacks on women returning home. The SAPS statement does not identify any particular case as the reason for the appeal.

In a case reported by the DFA on October 17, a woman walking home from a tavern in Dithakong sought refuge in a nearby house after a man approached her shortly before midnight.

He followed her and threatened the homeowner, demanding that she be sent outside. He subsequently threatened the woman with a knife and raped her at a friend’s house.

The attack occurred on February 28, 2021. The 29-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment on October 9 this year, Northern Cape police spokesperson Captain Nomthandazo Mnisi said.

In another case reported by the DFA recently, a Britstown woman was walking home at about 3am when a man invited her to continue socialising elsewhere.

When she refused, he dragged her to a railway station and raped her.

That attack occurred on May 25, 2024. The De Aar Regional Court convicted the 25-year-old man of rape on September 25 this year, and sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment.

More recently, the DFA’s report on violent crime and gender-based violence detailed an alleged rape near Santa Centre in Kimberley.

The police said a 20-year-old woman who had visited a tavern with a friend was approached by two men at about 4am on September 20. Her companion was stabbed in the hand and forced to leave before she was raped. Police reported at the time that two suspects had been arrested.

In its safety appeal, the Northern Cape SAPS encouraged people to arrange reliable transport before going out and, wherever possible, travel with trusted friends or family members.

Anyone unable to secure transport immediately should wait in a safe, well-lit place with trusted people while making arrangements.

Friends were urged to ensure that everyone in their group had a safe way home and to avoid leaving behind anyone who might be vulnerable or need assistance.

The police also advised patrons to avoid isolated or poorly lit routes and to be cautious of unfamiliar people attempting to lead them elsewhere under false pretences.

If a fight breaks out, people should move away from the disturbance and avoid following or becoming involved in confrontations.

The SAPS encouraged responsible drinking, warning that excessive alcohol consumption could affect awareness and decision-making. Patrons should also keep their phones charged and accessible so they can contact someone they trust or emergency services.

Anyone who believes they are being followed or threatened should seek help from security personnel, trusted individuals or the police as soon as possible.

Police urged victims of rape and sexual violence to report incidents to their nearest police station so investigations could begin and action could be taken against perpetrators.

The appeal also called for communities, community policing forums and other stakeholders to work with police to create safer environments and prevent gender-based violence and femicide.

“Let us look out for one another. Plan your journey home, avoid isolated routes and help ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.”