With the lives of the police officials under constant threat and threats from criminals every day, the NW SAPS also held an annual prayer day for police safety at the Potchefstroom city hall last Friday.
Prayers and singing in all the languages reverberated across the packed hall as the men in blue asked for divine intervention and blessings in their workplace.
Pastors from all corners of the North West were also present to pray for police safety. ‘Police safety without God is like pulling a fish out of a pond and expecting it to live. Police safety without God is fruitless. We may be like Goliath and wear bullet-proof vests but, if we do not have God in our midst, it is a futile exercise,’ warned Capt. (Rev.) O Mooketsi.
The NW provincial commissioner, Lt-Gen Baile Motswenyane said being a police officer is not an easy task. ‘If we do not invite the almighty we will not achieve what we want.’
The NW community safety and transport management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane condemned the police killings in his keynote address. He said prayer is a powerful force that unites nations and promotes national unity. ‘A united nation is a nation that does not experience police killings or attacks. A united nation is a nation where its communities protect one another. A united nation is one where its women and children can enjoy the fresh air without fear. A united nation is one that experiences a total reduction of crime, in general,’ he said. He reminded the officers to apply precautionary measures when on duty.
Motlhabane praised the police officials. ‘You are our heroes, we are proud of you and we salute you for working hard for a crime-free South Africa,’ he said.
Maj. Genl Molefe, who delivered the vote of thanks, praised God for protecting the brass band that was involved in a bus accident on their way to Durban a week ago. She also thanked God for protecting Const. Kelebogile Trom who was attacked and hospitalised in Durban for three days.
