self defence for children

							                                         community policing

            Self-defence classes for
             women and children
We insure our cars
against damage and
theft, our houses
against burglaries and
fire and ourselves
against disability and
death - would it not
therefore make sense,
to ensure that we are
insured against attacks
by criminals?

Captain Geoff Ngcobo and
Inspector Colin Govender of
the SAPS Scottburgh have
been teaching women and
children, techniques on how
to defend themselves.
Women and children are the
most vulnerable people in our
society and are more prone
to attacks and abuse. These
two policemen have trained
hundreds of people since
1998. Currently, self-defence
classes are being held at       opted to undergo the course
Khanya Hospice in               themselves. Feedback from
Umkomaas, Pennington            participants, thus far, has
Primary School, the Park        been that they enjoyed the
Rynie Library and the           training sessions, feel fitter,
Scottburgh Town Hall.           confident, alert and are more
                                aware of activities going on
Practising the self-defence     around them.
techniques not only helps you
defend yourself in the event    While Captain Ngcobo and
of an attack, it boosts your    Inspector Govender had
self-confidence and the exer-   been busy with the self-
cises help you stay fit and     defence classes, Captain
agile. Some of the tech-        Vincent Pandarum and
niques, if properly executed,   Inspector Bhekani Solomon
will make most attackers        Ndlovu addressed the boys
think twice before attacking    on issues pertaining to crime
someone again. These class-     and the consequences of           Insp Govender and Capt Ngcobo with some of the children they had given
es are beneficial to anyone,    engaging in criminal conduct,     training in self-defence techniques

irrespective of age, physical   career opportunities in the
stamina or size.                SAPS, substance abuse and
                                other related topics. The          Individuals, schools or other organizations
Self-defence classes are held   youngsters were very positive
at the Pennington Primary       and disciplined and had            in the area wishing to attend self-defence
School for learners every       many questions which were          classes can contact Captain Geoff Ngcobo
Friday. Seeing the value of     answered by the police offi-
these lessons, the educators    cers.                              or Inspector Colin Govender at telephone
Article and photographs by Capt Vincent Pandarum,                  number 039 978 1900.
Scottburgh
40