SAPS engage in community outreach with the homeless

Brakpan SAPS, along with various faith-based organisations, recently treated homeless people to a hot shower and a two-course meal in the park across from the station.

Passion in Action and the Showers of Blessings supported the outreach, where 40 homeless individuals took showers in the mobile showers provided by Showers of Blessings. They then received a meal and dessert.

“The main goal was to give the homeless hope that God can still change their lives for the better,” said Sector 1 manager and SAPS corporate communications officer, Constable Audrey Buthelezi.

“The team further cited that in giving the homeless food, they wish it would somehow prevent them from stealing just to get something to eat.”

The various churches involved also hope all other churches and businesses in South Africa collaborate to permanently resolve homelessness, not just in Brakpan, but nationally.

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“The homeless people who came and enjoyed were encouraged to change their negative thinking about life, and they were reminded that they each had dreams which could still come true,” Buthelezi said.

The pastors prayed for everyone and people were given the opportunity to testify about their lives. Buthelezi indicated it is time the relevant stakeholders, including government institutions, join forces to eradicate the homelessness crisis.

“It is a challenge to the businesses, the community at large, and an even bigger challenge to the SAPS when dealing with crimes committed by homeless people in the name of hunger or to feed unhealthy habits,” she said.

“Feeding and bathing the homeless is a sign of humanity, but let it be a life transforming process for the homeless. Chasing them from one corner to the other is not a solution, they need to be in a safe, controlled environment where they can be skilled and rehabilitated,” she added.

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