Police and Churches Join Forces Against Crime in Cofimvaba

Police in the Chris Hani District are strengthening ties with faith-based organisations as part of efforts to tackle crime and social problems in local communities.

Bridge Camp SAPS visited the Holiest Nazareth Apostolic Church in Zion in the Ntshingeni Administration Area, Cofimvaba, on Sunday, August 23, as part of the SAPS Police Sunday initiative.

According to SAPS, the initiative aims to promote crime prevention awareness and strengthen cooperation between police, churches and communities.

During the visit, police raised concerns about several issues affecting communities, including faction fights, domestic violence, illegal shebeens, drug abuse and the carrying and use of dangerous weapons.

Warrant Officer W. Adams explained the role of Social Crime Prevention and other structures within SAPS, encouraging congregants to make use of these structures and work with police to address crime and social challenges.

Captain J.Z. Nteta also called on churches to become more involved in addressing the root causes of crime.

He highlighted the role churches can play in guiding young people and encouraging respect for the law, telling congregants that “it takes a village to raise a child.”

Nteta said churches should be recognised as places where the law is respected and where young people are encouraged to make positive choices.

Bishop Platjie opened the service with the scripture: “You are the light of the world.”

Warrant Officer S. Dlakiya later closed the programme with a scripture reading and spoke about every person having a purpose in life.

According to SAPS, congregants responded positively to the engagement and pledged to become more actively involved in crime prevention.

The congregation also committed to promoting responsible and law-abiding behaviour through church activities, including Sunday School programmes.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by police to involve community structures in crime prevention across the Chris Hani District.