Messages of encouragement, appreciation and faith highlighted a special gathering to celebrate Mother’s Day at the Brakpan Police Station on May 8.

Mothers serving in various roles at the police station were honoured at the event, which was opened with a blessing by “in-house” pastor Captain Pieter Booysen from the Brakpan crime intelligence office, who shared scripture readings from Proverbs 31:10 on the capable woman and Isaiah 66:10-14, highlighting the unconditional love, harmony, compassion and protection portrayed by a mother.

“The event was to acknowledge and honour all mothers at Brakpan SAPS, biological and by virtue of responsibilities,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, social crime prevention and communications officer.

Messages of support were conveyed by Employee Health and Wellness division’s Captain Sara Mushaniki and Warrant Officer Eva Mathunyane, and the station support head Colonel Karlien Swanepoel.

“Mothers were reminded how special they are and not to neglect their responsibilities entrusted to them by God,” said Buthelezi.

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“One of the members who experienced the loss of her mother indicated that this is the first Mother’s Day celebration without her mother, and she encouraged others to appreciate their mothers.”

Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma encouraged the women to create the best version of themselves in all environments, whether at home or at work, by ensuring accountability, responsibility and enforcing discipline.

She cited Hebrews 12:6, which says that God disciplines those He loves.

Ngoma further wished all mothers a blissful Mother’s Day and expressed appreciation to the police moms who will be on duty on the day.

The brigadier reminded those in attendance that motherhood is not limited only to the immediate families, but includes colleagues at work and the community at large.

Vispol support head Lieutenant Colonel Pearl Van Staad gave a vote of thanks to all attendees and the organisers of the event. A light lunch was then served and the moms received gifts as a token of appreciation.

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