The SAPS in the Northern Cape is hosting the provincial Spiritual Crime Prevention indaba in Upington in the ZF Mgcawu district as part of an initiative to partner with different spiritual fraternities in the fight against crime.
Upington SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the two day event that started on Thursday was held at the Sandile Prusent Library .
“The event was attended by leaders from different organisations including traditional healers and leaders in communities, the South African Council of Churches, the Moral Regeneration Movement, the Youth Desk and officers from all districts in the province.
“Crime statistics were presented to the attendees and all the delegates participated in commissions formed to deliberate on challenges and an action plan.”
Masegela added that Ouma Katriena Esau one of the last remaining endangered Nluu language speakers, also attended the event and indicated that the community at large had a responsibility to fight against crime alongside the police.
The deputy provincial Commissioner for Crime Prevention Major General Koliswa Otola during her keynote address pointed out that churches played a significant role in shaping societies and fostering safer and neighbourhoods with sound moral values.
“Crime and immorality goes hand in hand.”
She motivated members of the community to join structures in the SAPS to form partnerships in order to fight crime.
