Youth and Norkem Park SAPS fight crime through sport

Not even windy weather could keep the youth from across Kempton Park to participate in the fight against crime on May 12. What better way to fight crime than trough sport?

So says Capt Lesibana Molokomme, spokesperson for Norkem Park SAPS.

“Sport keeps the youth healthy, makes their minds sharp and keeps them from drug and alcohol abuse.”

About eight soccer teams and two netball teams attended the sports day at the Birch Acres sports grounds.

Parents, children and sports enthusiasts were welcomed to the event with vibrant music, thanks to a mobile truck playing music. Later, a young group of dancers named Vaal Important Pansolas entertained the crowd.

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The attention, however, was quickly shifted to the main events, the soccer and netball matches.

Kempton Park West u-17 kicked off the day against Kempton CBD’s team. The West side came out on top, beating the centre city’s side 4-0.

The second match saw Norkem Park beat Birch Acres 1-0. Finally, members of Norkem Park SAPS traded their black boots for cleats, playing against community members of Birch Acres. The community thrashed the police, winning 9-3.

Only one netball game was played, where Birch Acres’ team won against Norkem Park. Medals and trophies were given to the day’s winners and runners-up.

According to Kgotso Bookholane, chairperson of the youth desk for Gauteng province, it is important to interact with the community’s youngsters.

“If you can’t beat them, join them. None of us is perfect, but let’s tackle substance abuse. If we unite, we can achieve anything.”

Ward councillor Ndala Sibanyoni encouraged other wards to attend such events.

“In our ward, Ward 13, there is a lot of substance abuse. If young people attend sports days like this, we can fight against it.”

Molokomme said that this sports day would not be the last.

“This was the beginning of a vibrant event. More will come in the near future, covering all sectors of the Norkem Park policing area.”