The Strand Women’s Network hosted a commemorative service to honour members lost in the line of duty last Friday (25 November)
The service coincided with the launch of Strand police’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children at Bethesda Evangelical Church in Broadlands Park. The event started with an opening prayer followed by a talk on gender-based violence by Strand police station commander Colonel Khunjulwa Khanyile.
“Today we are remembering the police members whom we have lost. We are also focusing on 16 Days of Activism. We are facing abuse in many ways, including sexual and physical abuse. This type of abuse takes place across the board, in lower, middle and upper class homes.
“If you know the signs of abuse and you see it taking place, it is important to break that cycle,” urged Khanyile.
A brief candle-lighting ceremony took place where every person present at the launch received a candle. Honour was given to the police members who passed away and to victims of crime and abuse.
After the ceremony, Rodney Daniels spoke on the difficulties of losing colleagues in the line of duty and the pain of those left behind.
“To the family members present today, I want to say that your loved ones will never be forgotten. They were not only your loved ones and colleagues, but they were our friends and they were family to us too. Let’s move forward and live in the same legacy as those members who passed on.”
Daniels also talked about the importance of community police forum and neighbourhood watch members who patrol to combat crime late at night and early the morning. He thanked them for volunteering their time to protect the community.
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Pastor Colin van Wyk, who serves in the community of Broadlands Park, wore blue in support of the police officers who lost their lives and their family members who are left behind.
“It is important to serve. When we serve, we look outside of ourselves. The men and women in blue bring a meaningful existence to our people by serving them,” Van Wyk said.
