The Methodist Church in Sunnyside has offered free emotional and psychological support to Sunnyside police officers in need.
The church made the announcement at a special service on Sunday aimed at recognising, honouring and praying for the police who have dedicated their lives to protecting residents from crime.
“The police are confronted with all sorts of challenges,” Bishop Sidwell Mokgothu said, adding that the police needed the support of the community to execute their duties effectively.
“We all take our problems to them and they are expected to protect all of us. The burden they carry on their shoulders sometimes makes them the most vulnerable.”
He said this was the reason the church offered to protect them from the effects of their job.
The Sunnyside police delegation was led by their Commander Brigadier Matshidiso Kgoadi, known for spearheading an integrated approach in the fight against crime. She is also known for being hands-on as she often leads from the ground, big operations day or at night, to restore law and order in her policing precinct.
Rekord reported two months ago that she led a high density operation that included police and other law enforcement agencies in Brooklyn and Sunnyside areas in Pretoria. She also led a massive clean-up in Sunnyside four months ago, among others leading to ward 59 councillor Shaun Wilkinson describing her as a hard worker.
Kgoadi together with her officers took Holy Communion with the congregants.
Police spokesperson Captain Daniel Mavimbela said being part of the congregation was in line with the police safety month celebrations.
“The police have attended the service to ask for prayers for protection, strength and wisdom to serve the community of Sunnyside,” he said.
The church service also served as a platform to strengthen the police relationship with the residents.
“We cannot do it alone, we need you.”
He urged residents to remain alert to avoid become a victim of crime.
“Keep valuables out of sight when driving, test doors if they are properly locked with your hand after locking your vehicle and avoid unnecessary distraction such as paying too much attention to cellphones when in public areas.”
The service took place just a week after the commemoration of the 33 police officers who died in the line of duty in the previous financial year at the Union Buildings.
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