Divine Intervention initiative takes prayer to heart of trouble

When societal pressures spiral out of control, faith allows for the calming of the centre.

The Roodepoort Divine Intervention initiative took their fight against crime to the heart of one the areas most severely affected by socioeconomic crime. Head of Roodepoort Police’s Social Crime Prevention Unit (SCP), Sergeant Shumikazi Mbuli, together with the Divine Intervention team led by Pastor Ashley Augustine, held a prayer session in the busiest section of Matholesville.

That section of the informal settlement is dotted with taverns which provide the perfect circumstances for the type of arguments which escalate into violent crimes. New station commander, Brigadier Irene Sekwakwa was also present to evaluate first hand the challenges faced by the area plagued by territorial battles between illegal mining gangs, chronic unemployment and substance abuse.

The Divine Intervention project attempts to heal communities with the power of prayer, and through faith Pastor Ashley is confident of making incremental progress. “The reality is that the community of Matholesville has complex challenges. Since we went to pray and connect again with people in Matholesville, hope and a greater faith for the best were evident,” he said.

The SCP is available to give talks and presentations at a variety of institutions, and inquiries may be made at the station. Sergeant Mbuli encourages all churches and other faith-based organisations to unite with police in this important initiative, saying “We call on the community to invite SCP to events to assist in spreading our message”.