By REGINALD KANYANE
30 September 2024- The Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari accompanied by the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Major General Steven Mabuela, Senior Officers, Components Heads and members, together with the Religious Fraternity, held a prayer service at Full Gospel Church in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 26 September 2024 to commemorate Police Safety Month.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the day was also used to remember those police officers, who have lost their lives while in line of duty. Shemane said the programme was directed by Chaplain Seturumane and the welcoming address, as well as the purpose of the day was delivered by Chaplain Pudule from Provincial Employee Health and Wellness, Spiritual Services.
“The inter-religious faith representatives from different denominations prayed for the SAPS Provincial Management, for prevention of police killings, for mental illness and well-being of members, and the eradication of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“Major General Makgari and Major General Mabuela led the candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of WO Dipipenyane, Sgt Masilo and Constable Mandindi, who lost their lives in line of duty during the previous financial year,” he said.
Shemane further said Arch Bishop Mofokeng in delivering the sermon, he encouraged members to not only protect themselves physically, but spiritually as well.
Meanwhile, Major General Charlotte Makgari, delivered an address on behalf of the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and stated that whenever police are faced with adversity, prayer should be their only hope as it provides the police with fortitude and strength to strive forward.
“I want to address two critical issues affecting the organisation, such as ill-discipline and extortion. Ill-discipline undermines police effectiveness, erodes public trust and compromises the mandate to serve and protect.
“It is crucial that police uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times. The police officers must understand that such behaviour is unacceptable and illegal,” she said.
Makgari said it tarnishes the police reputation and violates the rights of the communities the police serve. She also encouraged the police to wear their bullet proof vests, ensure that their firearms are loaded and well-oiled and be alert at all times.
“We encourage all police officers to work together to restore and maintain the integrity and credibility of the police,” said Makgari.
The Guardian 