Local clergy and congregants from various denominations in Mohlakeng hosted a prayer day against crime at the Ramosa Hall recently.
Several police clergy, members of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Traffic Police chief Kenny Mampondo and Randfontein Fire Department chief, Benny Mohlabeng attended the event.
The festive season is approaching, which is also a time when criminal elements rear their ugly heads.
Father Bradley Moloi from Mohlakeng St Paul Anglican Church delivered a sermon in which he emphasised that the prayer service was not aimed at a particular denomination as crime affects all members of the community.
“We are here to say to the police we are sorry and to say together with the police we can combat crime,” said Father Moloi.
“This fight against crime is not our community’s fight, it is God’s fight,” said Pastor Chris Tshepe. He raised concerns about the high murder rate that affects Randfontein.
Retired Air Force Chaplain Reverend Moss Thabalaka pointed out that the public and police are pulling in separate directions by way of blaming each other. “We are all part of the same voyage; let us all take responsibility,” he said.
The clergy laid hands on Brigadier Manamela, Randfontein Police Station commander and prayed that he be strengthened to take the lead in the unenviable task of combating the crimes that the community is confronted with on a daily basis.
“We as police also need God. We must go back to our roots and values in order to protect our children. You as a community have a constitutional obligation to control crime,” Manamela said.
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