Worshippers from different churches gathered at JL Zwane Centre on Wednesday 29 March to pray for a safer Easter period and the safety of the police officers who will be on duty during the long weekend.
The service was organised by the Gugulethu police in partnership with the Gugulethu Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum to uplift the officers’ moral and to ensure that they were mentally strong.
Police spokesperson Sgt Sindisiwe Ngqele described the gathering as a “special service”. She said they wanted to bridge the gap between community and officers. She said they wanted the community to see that they were not focused only on arresting the criminals but also gave their lives to God.
“In whatever we are doing we always put God in front. It is not a mistake that we organise such a service. Within our organisation we have chaplains who always lead us during hard times,” said Ngqele. She encouraged all motorists to drive safely when going on holidays. “We are saying no to drinking and driving. We want all the people to go and come safe from the Easter weekend holiday,” said Ngqele.
Gugulethu SCPF coordinator Rev Zama Mfihlo urged the officers to pray all the time. He said the officers faced difficult times and carried out stressful jobs. “Being an officer is a calling. Those officers who are tarnishing the police sector by accepting bribes or drinking are not called. Our message is clear, they must trust God and never doubt him,” said Mfihlo.
He urged the community to work together with the police all the time.