During the Easter weekend, several projects were held by police and Community Policing Forums (CPFs) across the Nelson Mandela Bay District empowering communities to work in partnership with police in creating a safer community.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, yesterday, April 18, SAPS Gelvandale, Gelvandale CPF, the NMB District CPF, the Gelvandale Pastoral Forum, local councillor and NGO’s embarked on a prayer service visiting the hotspot areas within their policing precinct.
Naidu said during the prayer service intense messages were preached, and powerful prayers were delivered to the residents of Barcelona and Helenvale.
“The Gelvandale Pastoral Forum (all religious fraternities) and mentioned stakeholders called on communities to help rid their areas of crime and criminality that is plaguing their society,” said Naidu.
“The multi-faceted team marched through the streets handing out flyers and Easter eggs to residents while the prayer meetings were conducted in open spaces in these areas.”
She said four families that have lost innocent loved ones through gang violence were presented with bouquets by the CPF and candles were lit in their memories symbolising their precious lives.
The CPF District Chairperson, Ayanda Gcakasi appealed to residents to stop harbouring criminals and to report them.
“Innocent lives are lost in gang warfare, and it is very depressing when children are targeted in these senseless shootings,” said Gcakasi.
“I urge the community of Helenvale to protect our young ones and future leaders by breaking the silence and to help the police solve their cases by arresting and sending those responsible for these callous killings to jail so that our children can once again play in their yards and streets.”
At another event Naidu said the NMB District CPF and the SAPS joined the Walmer residents in a day of ‘Sport Against Crime’ at a soccer tournament near Walmer location after the recent spate of murders that took place in the Walmer location.
She said while police used this platform to urge the youth to steer away from getting involved in criminal activities, the community was also encouraged to work with the police and not to ‘turn a blind eye’ to criminals living among them.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier
Several police stations including, SAPS Mount Road, Bethesldorp, Algoa Park and Swartkops held similar events in their areas.
The generosity of businesses in donating Easter eggs which were distributed to children, was highly appreciated.
Kupiso expressed her gratitude to the station commanders and the various stakeholders for undertaking such positive initiatives which had an impact in their respective communities.
“The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene’s five-year strategic plan dubbed Operation Sikhona which means ‘we are here’ in serving our communities most certainly represents our commitment of reducing crime; eliminating the fear of crime and to create safer communities where freedom of movement can once again flourish,” said Kupiso.
“There is no ‘quick fix’ solution for reducing crime however the participative involvement and support from all sectors of society, working in unison with law enforcement will definitely contribute to reducing the levels of crime.”
Issued by: SAPS
