As a way of investing in the community, Komatiland Forests has recently built a Victim Empowerment Centre for the Levubu SAPS. The centre was officially opened by the provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Calvin Sengani, last Friday.

When opening the centre, Sengani said that it will be a safe haven for people who are chased from their homes, especially abused women who have to seek refuge after being beaten by their spouses.

He encouraged com-munity members to be law-abiding citizens, “so that we don’t have to build more victim empowerment centres.” Commissioner Sengani invited people tot take part in the fight against crime and to refrain from engaging in criminal activities such as domestic violence and abuse.

The centre had been built at a cost of roughly R400 000. Apart from the construction costs, the Indian community from Thohoyandou and Louis Trichardt contributed an additional R30 000, which was used to purchase furniture, such as the stoves, fridges, mattresses and television sets.

According to Mr Antoon Odendaal of Komatiland Forests, they decided to build the Victim Empowerment Centre and view it as a way of investing in the community. They also want vulnerable members of the community to be protected. “We are not just making a donation; this is an investment,” he said.

Odendaal further outlined that their commitment does not end with the building, but that they will also get involved in the management of the cen-tre.

Commissioner Sengani further urged police officers during the event to always protect businesspeople in the area. “Where there is police, there must be peace and tranquillity. Being under the influence of liquor when you are a police officer is an abuse to the community. If you are a police officer you must work, because we are paying you to do so. There is nothing for free,” he said.