OFFICIALS of SAPS Management joined external stakeholders to address the serious crimes prevalent in communities by hosting a religious service at Willowvale Town Hall on July 12.
According to a media statement released by Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, this divine intervention took place over a two-day period. On the first day they focused on conducting door-to-door awareness, with the purpose of instilling hope in the victims of crime.
Police members also embarked on crime prevention operations with other law enforcement and traffic officers, in an effort to eradicate crime on the streets of Willowvale. During their high-density operations, they focused on stop and search, roadblocks, checking non-compliance at liquor outlets, and arrested suspects for possession of drugs and operating unlicensed liquor outlets. As part of crime prevention duties, they seized dangerous weapons. While they were conducting roadblocks with the assistance of traffic officers, fines to the value of R17 000 were issued to motorists who violated traffic laws.
On the second day of the campaign, Friday, July 12, members of the community converged for a formal spiritual program at the Town Hall.
This initiative, by the Eastern Cape Spiritual Crime Prevention, was aimed at addressing the scourge of ongoing killings, gender-based violence, and femicide (GBVF) cases in and around Willowvale.
Mbashe Local Mayor, Councilor Janda, welcomed all attendees. Various stakeholders formed part of the program, and those that rendered messages of support pledged to work together with police in the fight against crime. Intercessory prayers on serious crimes, such as killings in Willowvale, GBVF, substance abuse, and taxi violence, among others, were performed.
In his keynote address, the Amathole District Commissioner, Major-General Xakavu, emotionally outlined the purpose of the day and acknowledged the Provincial Commissioner in her absence, stating that without her dedication and passion for ensuring a safer Eastern Cape Province, the programs would not have been possible.
“The focus of the campaign is to put an end to the gruesome killings in the communities, and to encourage public participation in community safety, offer support, crime prevention, and enhance community relations. In recent months, violent crimes have been noted in this community, and our brave officers have made numerous breakthroughs in the form of arrests, and the cases are still in progress with a number of suspects in custody. Yet, even as we celebrate these victories, we must recognise that our battle against crime requires a collaborative effort.
“Our communities play an indispensable role in safeguarding their livelihoods and ensuring the protection of their assets. By working hand-in-hand with law enforcement, we can create a formidable barrier against those who seek to disrupt the fabric of our society,” he said.
He mentioned that crimes against women and children are on top of the SAPS’ priority list, and that they will not turn a blind eye to any form of violence in this regard.
“Elderly women are brutally attacked and killed by ruthless cowards in their homesteads, and some are dying at the hands of their grandchildren. As the community we must work together to protect the vulnerable and improve morals and good ethical behavior, sikhuthaza ubuntu nobuthandazwe,” he emphasised.
