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Cop shares her story of domestic violence

Siyavuya Khaya|Published

Guests at the prayer service held in Gugulethu.

Captain Julia Matthee, who is stationed at Gugulethu police station, and who experienced years of domestic violence and abuse, shared her story when the station held a prayer service last Thursday.

Captain Matthee said it was important that she share her experience so that those who turned to police for help, knew that she understood and could relate to the issues they faced.

Captain Matthee said there were many SAPS officers who were afraid to come out and share their own experiences because there was a perception that police officers were immune to abuse.

She joined the police service more 33 years ago in a time that was difficult for women to take up any position of note within the ranks.

In those years they never spoke out and the assumption was that police were meant to be invincible, she said.

However, said Captain Matthee, wearing a uniform didn’t necessarily protect them from becoming victims of gender-based violence.

She said she stayed in an abusive relationship for about six years - but it was only when her husband became physical with her son that she decided enough was enough.

“I took my hiding, I kept quiet, put a smile on, put my uniform on and went to work. I made as if everything was fine. When he tried to lay his hands on my child I think that my mothering instincts kicked in and I realised that enough is enough and I won’t allow my boy to experience what I'm going through,” she said.

“This prayer seeks to remind our colleagues that they should not take their eyes off of the prize and must look out for ourselves.”

Many people didn’t see the person inside the SAPS uniform, said Captain Matthee.

“We are experiencing the same issues that the community battles with and because I wear a uniform and come to work every day and stretch my arms to extend help does not mean that I have not been abused and fearful at home.”

However, she added: “We are not victims anymore, we are now the survivors.”

Gugulethu police station’s spokesperson, Sergeant Sindiswe Ngqele called on the community to protect cops and and took a moment to pay her last respects to those who had died in the line of duty.

Representative of the Abathunywa Ministers Fratenity, Bishop Zamuxolo Mfihlo, also called on the community to project and love police officers who, he said, were there to make their lives safe.

Gugulethu police station spokesperson, Sergeant Sindiswe Ngqele reads the police code of conduct.
People from all walks of life gathered at Motale premises to attend the prayer service held by Gugulethu police officers.