Tembisa SAPS hosted a community outreach event at Rabasotho Hall on May 25.
Cluster commander of Ekurhuleni North Major General Vincent Leshabane said the aim of the event was to engage stakeholders from the church community and community at large to come and pray with SAPS members.
“We invited the churches, community leaders, police, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), social workers and the youth to come here today because we want to pray together.
“We think by praying together we can make an impact in reducing crime.
“Most importantly, we wanted to make sure we address the issue of substance abuse and alcohol abuse by children,” said Leshabane.
He added alcohol abuse results in a lot of domestic violence and assault.
“When people are drunk and have engaged in substance abuse they are going to fight among themselves but they learn how to control consumption. Once parents try to avoid unnecessary alcohol consumption we think people are not going to be assaulting one another.
“Contact crime statistics are going to be reduced,” Leshabane explained. He said everybody is happy and he is glad people from the liquor board attended the event.
“We are saying enough is enough about crime. From this day on everyone must be willing to work with the police and from there onwards we think we are going to be able to improve our image in the community.
“Also, our police officers must change their attitude and listen to the community when they report cases. Once they listen to them the community will give us a lot of information on crime and we will therefore be able to arrest more suspects who are committing crime.
“There are a lot of illegal firearms in the community and we want our people to inform us.
“I am saying this because I know that SAPS members are willing to go the extra mile,” said Leshabane.
He said from this unifying prayer he is expecting everyone to work in unison in fighting crime.
Mpilo Mbatha said he was hoping to get tips on substance abuse and get himself rehabilitated.
“Youth must participate in all community activities to keep off the streets and get advice as to turn their lives around,” said Mbatha.
