In an effort to curb crime and strengthen relationships between the officers and the community, Khayelitsha police together with the Community Policing Forum and the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum hosted a prayer service at S Section in Site B on Friday, 26 June.

Hotspot Area Flagged

Khayelitsha police spokesperson Sgt Asanda Daweti described the prayer service as part of a crime awareness campaign which aimed at bringing comfort and hope to the community.

She highlighted the area as one of the hotspots in their police precinct, including a recently a shooting in which three people were gunned down in their house.

“Murder and attempted murder are the most common cases occurring here. The community needs to be vigilant all the time,” she said.

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Community urged to report criminal activities

Daweti urged residents not to remain silent when criminal activities occur in their neighbourhoods.
She stressed that reducing crime requires a collective effort between the officers, residents and community structures.

Resident Nosisi Mbelwa said increasing police visibility and stronger partnerships would contribute to reducing crime in Site B. She added that regular engagements between officers and the community help build trust and improve communication.

A Call for Divine Intervention

Khayelitsha SCPF secretary Pastor Thembakazi Sam said they want God to intervene. “What is not happening to us, can happen to God. He never fails. We need his divine intervention,” said Sam. She said all they want is to bring back Ubuntu.

Councillor Calls for Healing

Ward 91 councillor Thando Mpengezi, who described his ward as problematic, said the prayer service as much needed in the area.

“Prayer is one of the strongest weapons to fight bad spirits. We need such kind of services in our communities to heal our souls. Many people are even scared to report their cases at the police stations because they don’t trust the officers,” he said.