Police addresses suicide at seminar
Residents do not realise the trauma police officers face every day.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Krugersdorp Police hosted a suicide awareness seminar for its officers.
Lieutenant Colonel Seabi of the Muldersdrift Police discussed the purpose of the day, sharing a testimony of a horrible scene he witnessed before attending the seminar.
“This trauma is within us,” stated Seabi.
The proceedings were opened with a prayer and scripture reading by Pastor Makhatsane, and worship songs were sung by the Men’s Forum and gospel group I am worshipers.
The speakers included Professor Subramaney from the Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital as well as Mr Skhosana who represented the non-government organisation Moral Regeneration together with Karina Swart, Direcor of Lifeline West Rand.
Seabi shared with the guests scenarios of everyday life as a police officer and the pressure that comes with the job.
Factors contributing to depression and early detection of suicidal behaviour were discussed. Seabi confessed that crime affects them too, as he told of how he wakes up at night, rechecks the doors and windows to make sure they are locked.
“As a colonel it is a big responsibility to issue members of the police with firearms, because you don’t known whether he will use it to wipe out his family. If there is an incident where an officer draws his firearm and shoots his partner before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life, you can not help but feel responsible for their poor actions.”
He explained that the firearms are meant to be used to protect themselves and the community.
Colonel Denise Robert from the Randburg Police broke the ice by cracking one joke after the other. Swart stated that society does not take suicide attempts as seriously as they should.
Sello Tshukudu, representing Sanlam, had set up a gazebo with banners and spoilt the guests with delicious treats.
The message of the day reminded those attending that everyone has a right to live.
