Praying against crime
The Tsakane community gathered at Tsakane Extension Six sports ground to pray for help to combat crime.
Rain and cold on Saturday did not stand in the way of the community to appeal for God’s intervention to fight against crime in that area.
The prayer day that was attended by bishops from different churches, community leaders and the police was organised by the Tsakane Community Police Forum committee (CPF).
The day was also aimed at applauding the job well done by the volunteer street patrollers in that area.
Speaking on behalf of the CPF, deputy chairman Mncedisi Somyo said the increase of crime incidents in that area are worrying the community and the police.
Somyo confirmed that assault and mob justice are the most crimes reported at the Tsakane police station.
He said, because the police in partnership with the CPF members have done many crime awareness campaigns, imbozo with the community and know your neighbour campaigns, they saw a need to ask God to help them make Tsakane a crime-free zone.
“Man’s power is not enough to win the fight against crime, but we believe that God has a solution to the problem,” said Somyo.
Ward Councillor Mthumeleni Nditha said he is happy that the police involves the community and God in seeking for a solution to the challenge of crime faced by residents in the area.
He confirmed that there is an increase in the number of criminal activities happening at Tsakane Extension Six and in Langaville.
He said the fight will continue even after the prayers.
“We need to mobilise the youth to take ownership of the area by working together with the police to fight against crime,” he said.
Simanga Radebe, a resident in Extension Six, said he hopes to see a decrease in crime after the prayer day.
He explained that residents in that area do not feel safe when walking on the streets after 6pm as they fear for their lives.
“Criminals are not only robbing us of our personal items but they have robbed us of the freedom to walk freely on the streets,” said a worried Radebe.
He then appealed to the community to play their part in ensuring that criminals are put in prison where they belong.
