Dedicated to helping those affected by crime

The trauma of being a victim of crime can leave one paralysed with fear and despair. Not knowing where to turn to have the after-effects of jarring ordeals treated can cause stress in itself, but thankfully Roodepoort Police Station has a dedicated support centre.

Open from 8.30am to 4pm and located in the rear of the Roodepoort Police Station through a tranquil courtyard is the Victim Support Centre. Staffed by several full-time social workers, the centre offers victim counselling free of charge. They offer support for victims of all crime – from all manners of thefts to the nightmare crimes of rape and murder.

Heading up the centre is 20-year counselling veteran, Chaplain Lukas Visagie. “We would like the public to visit this friendly space to overcome their problems in a safe environment,” he said. Turning 78 next May, he is a man who once worked with his hands but chose to work with his heart instead. Formerly a boilermaker, a younger Lukas took a Christian counselling course through his church and never looked back.

One of the centre’s shining lights is Social Auxiliary Worker Sarah Lekalakala. “We help people with marriage problems, domestic violence and addictions,” elaborated Sarah. “Once they have a case number they can schedule appointments with us. We urge people to report crimes so that we can tackle social issues adequately,” stressed Sarah.

Seeking help to fight the mental wounds of crime should be pain-free, and at Roodepoort Police Station there is such a facility dedicated to serving.