Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole convened a spiritual crime prevention stakeholder engagement at 3C Church on August 28.

At the event, the framework and implementation of spiritual crime prevention were outlined and discussed.

Local stations such as Germiston SAPS were also present, as the engagement brought together police management, social crime prevention coordinators, community policing forum (CPF) representative Pearl Manqele, faith-based organisations, pastors, police chaplains and other community stakeholders.

The purpose of the engagement was to introduce and discuss the spiritual crime prevention initiative, clarify its framework and operational processes, and strengthen cooperation between the SAPS, the CPF, faith-based organisations and other community stakeholders.

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The framework was presented by Sergeant Maxwell Mabunda from the Ekurhuleni District Office.

Mabunda outlined its objectives, structures, responsibilities and implementation processes.

Addressing the stakeholders, Sithole emphasised the importance of ensuring that all participants understand the framework and their respective responsibilities.

Sithole explained that bringing stakeholders together was necessary to ensure that everyone participating in spiritual crime prevention is properly guided and able to contribute with confidence and pride.

She emphasised that spiritual crime prevention structures must clearly understand their roles and responsibilities to function effectively and productively in support of crime prevention initiatives within communities.

SAPS chaplaincy was also represented at the engagement by Chaplain Captain Jonqo.

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The role of police chaplains in guiding spiritual crime prevention structures, particularly when participating in SAPS programmes and initiatives, was highlighted.

“The engagement also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns and seek clarity on several matters, including screening and vetting, the code of conduct, indemnity forms, resources, transport, school programmes, chaplaincy, partnerships and the implementation of the initiative,” said Mabunda.

Sithole explained the key issues of the day, namely the screening and vetting of members.

“Participants requested clarity regarding the screening and vetting of individuals participating in spiritual crime prevention initiatives, including foreign nationals. All volunteers must undergo the appropriate screening processes, including fingerprinting and profiling,” said Sithole.

“Foreign nationals who are legally documented may participate, subject to the required verification and vetting processes, including verification of passports and immigration status where applicable,” she added.

Sithole stressed the importance of volunteers signing the relevant CPF code of conduct and indemnity documentation.

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“These requirements are intended to promote accountability, ensure proper identification of volunteers and provide appropriate protection while volunteers participate in authorised activities.

“Participants are advised that volunteers must be properly registered and reflected on the relevant database before being deployed or transported for official activities,” said Sithole.

“It was clarified that the spiritual crime prevention framework accommodates interfaith and faith-based structures and that participation is not restricted to individual pastors.

“Different faith organisations may structure their participation in accordance with their respective organisational arrangements, while operating within the approved spiritual crime prevention framework.

“The role of social crime prevention coordinators was also identified as an important link between the SAPS and community partners.

“They are expected to facilitate partnerships, coordinate activities, identify relevant stakeholders and ensure that programmes are properly planned and aligned with identified crime patterns and social challenges,” she said.

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“Station-level social crime prevention coordinators are expected to engage faith-based organisations and other relevant stakeholders within their respective policing precincts,” said Sithole.

The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the SAPS, the CPF, faith-based organisations and other community stakeholders.

It was agreed that workshops should be considered and coordinated through the appropriate SAPS and CPF structures to ensure that participating stakeholders understand their responsibilities and operate within the approved framework.

The meeting discussed the need to establish a formal, functional and representative executive structure for spiritual crime prevention within the Ekurhuleni District, with the process commencing at station level, followed by elections at sub-district level and ultimately district level.

“The election process is expected to take place from mid-September until the end of October 2026, subject to formal communication and directives. The elected spiritual crime prevention structures will work in cooperation with the relevant CPF structures and the SAPS.

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“It is further emphasised that spiritual crime prevention activities must respond to identified crime patterns, hotspots and social challenges and should not be conducted without clear objectives and proper planning,” said Sithole.

“Activities must also be properly documented and reported through the relevant SAPS and CPF structures to demonstrate the contribution and impact of spiritual crime prevention initiatives within communities,” Sithole said.

“The engagement concluded with a collective commitment to establish stronger and more accountable spiritual crime prevention structures, improve coordination and develop a structured approach to the implementation of spiritual crime prevention throughout the Ekurhuleni District.

“The initiative will place particular emphasis on partnership, accountability, community participation, proper planning and coordinated crime prevention, while strengthening cooperation between the SAPS, the CPF, faith-based organisations and communities,” said Sithole.