Police prayer service held in city
THE SAPS held its annual Provincial Prayer Day Service at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Roodepan, Kimberley, on Wednesday.
The service was attended by the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-general Koliswa Otola, and several senior managers.
The day commenced with a procession of the SAPS drill platoon, with the SAPS band and the mounted unit, marching through the streets of Roodepan to the church.
The opening interfaith prayers laid the spiritual foundation while the purpose of the day was delivered by the provincial commander of Employee Health and Wellness, Colonel Reverend Sello Colane.
A message of support was rendered by the chairperson of the Provincial Community Police Board, Ephraim Homan, who commented that the community and the police will together “squeeze the space where criminals operate”.
A representative from the SAPS Spiritual Crime Prevention structure also attended the service and offered their support and assistance to the police.
SAPS members in attendance were encouraged by the sermon delivered by Pastor Charmaine Ramasedi from the book of Isaiah 46, while the SAPS band rendered
powerful praise and worship items.
The SAPS members were also reminded that Police Safety Month is not just about the police being responsible for the safety of the community, but also for their own safety including that of their colleagues.
Fraternal ministers offered intercessory prayers, specifically praying for the police management, mental health, suicide, police safety, GBVF and the trauma caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Otola lit a candle in honour and remembrance of the SAPS members who died in the service, as well as for their families who were left behind.
During her keynote address, Otola stated that members must remember that a family that “prays together stays together”.
She also reiterated that members
should keep themselves physically healthy, but, most of all, emotionally and spiritually healthy by making use of the SAPS resources such as Employee Health and Wellness services.
The services are available to members experiencing personal difficulties and problems.
Otola thanked the SAPS members for their hard work and urged them to continuously keep their communities safe, especially as the festive season draws near.
She said: “We must remember that we are servants of the community, however, they too have a responsibility in ensuring that our members are safe when attending to their complaints.”
Warrant Officer and Chaplain Paul Volgraaf was the programme director, while Brigadier Belinda Rikhotso, who represented the Frances Baard District office, delivered the vote of thanks.