Women staff members from Lingelethu-West Police Station in Khayelitsha, together with the station’s Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum (SCPF), marked the end of Women’s Month in style as they held a special prayer service on Friday, 28 August. The service, which was held at the station’s premises, was also held to commemorate the women who were involved in the struggle against apartheid.

We salute those women

Lingelethu-West SCPF chair and leader of New Truth Gospel Church in Ilitha Park, Rev. Zandile Mbeki, said the aim is to uplift the spirits of women staff members and create a conducive working environment at the police station. She said women in general carry the burden of looking after their families.

“As we close Women’s Month, we are also remembering the women who stood up and fought for this country during apartheid. They stood firm and fought against the system that was oppressing black people, particularly women. They did so when it was not fashionable to do so. We salute those women, who include Lillian Ngoyi, Ruth First, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Helen Joseph, and others. We salute them,” said Mbeki. She described the service as a sign of respect for the women being commemorated.

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Bridging the gap

Resident Wente Ntaka described gender-based violence, substance abuse, and murder as some of the challenges affecting the community, particularly women. She said by having the service, the organisers are trying to bridge the gap between the community and the officers.

The station’s spokesperson Sgt Xoliswa Nyalambisa, described the prayer as powerful and encouraging. She stressed that the station wants the protection of women to go beyond Women’s Month.

“We want women and children to be protected 365 days a year. We also want all community stakeholders to work together to combat crime. Crime has no colour. And we would like men to lead or be at the forefront of awareness campaigns against the abuse of women and children,” said Nyalambisa. She said the station’s door is open to anyone seeking assistance.