The Gauteng Visible Policing component, JHB District Social Crime Prevention, Kliptown SAPS, the Community Policing Forum, Youth Crime Prevention Desk and Junior Commissioners hosted a sports tournament at Niks Shapa Stadium in Klipspruit on September 19 under the theme “Fighting crime on the field”.

Deputy District Commissioner Brigadier Lethoko outlined the purpose of the event, which included addressing GBV, drugs and substance abuse among the youth in communities. She said the tournament was a collaborative effort to tackle these issues.

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“The tournament aimed to use sport as a platform to engage young people positively, promote crime prevention, strengthen police-community partnerships, and encourage the youth to make responsible choices while contributing to safer communities,” said Lethoko.

The sporting activities included soccer and netball, where young people from different districts across the province challenged each other.

The event was also supported by organisations including the Department of Community Safety, JMPD, private security companies, Assupol, ABSA, Sanlam, Drug Free World, Clinix, SANCA, Metropolitan Life, Old Mutual, AVBOB, Childline, Bavuke Foundation and Vuyo’s Funeral Services.

The operational commander of the event, Brigadier Lefa Tsotetsi, thanked the organisers, participants and all the stakeholders who made the day a success.

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He added that the event had shown that sport can unite communities, build discipline and teamwork, and provide a positive alternative to crime and negative influences.

The tournament ended with the winning teams receiving their trophies.