THE Brighton Beach Police launched The Bluff Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum at the station’s boardroom recently.

The launch was attended by several religious leaders from the Brighton Beach policing area.

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The newly elected members of the spiritual crime prevention forum are:

• Malcolm Nair (chairperson)
• Pastor Sechaba Mosala (deputy chairperson)
• Sidney Govindsamy (treasurer)
• Clinton Ganess (deputy secretary)
• Coleen Parsons (secretary)
• Malcolm Moses (public relations officer).

Treasurer Sidney Govindsamy, who is also the chairperson of The Bluff community policing forum, said the forum is a community-based initiative.

“It’s an initiative that leverages faith-based organisations and religious institutions to address crime and promote positive behavioural change,” said Govindsamy.

The forum aims to tackle:

• The root causes of crime by focusing on individuals’ mindsets and unhealthy habits,
• Working in partnership with law enforcement and the community

“The forum emphasises collaboration between different community stakeholders, including religious leaders, law enforcement, and residents, to create a safer environment,” said Govindsamy.

The forum will focus on addressing the spiritual and moral aspects of crime, working to change individuals’ attitudes and behaviours through faith-based initiatives.

The forum will collaborate with the police to strengthen community safety and address crime-related issues.

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The forum will actively engage with community members, including youth and families, to foster a sense of responsibility and participation in crime prevention.

“It will work to reinforce community structures like families and religious institutions, which can play a crucial role in preventing crime overall. The forum will provide a framework for communities to address crime by focusing on the spiritual and moral dimensions of individuals and communities, working in partnership with law enforcement and other stakeholders,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Sarel Kruger congratulated the incoming officials and welcomed the team on board and looked forward to a strong partnership and working relationship with the forum.

Govindsamy extended his congratulations to members of the forum.

“As the Bluff CPF, we welcome the launch of The Bluff spiritual crime prevention forum and extend our congratulations to all spiritual leaders, who were elected to serve on this important structure. We believe strongly that every member of the community either identifies or belongs to a religious organisation. To that end, it is important to have such a forum,” said Govindsamy.

He said the need for spiritual intervention, guidance, and support are necessary, especially in serious and violent crimes, such as GBV and child abuse.

“We look forward to a strong partnership and working relationship with the forum. We hold our men and women in blue in very high esteem and acknowledge their support and commitment,” Govindsamy added.

Some of the people in attendance were Sergeant Siduduzo Makhaye and Constable Phumelele Malevu.

Spiritual leaders willing to join the forum are urged to contact Malcolm Moses on 071 724 9385.

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