Atteridgeville residents, faith leaders and law enforcement agencies gathered at Saulsville Arena on Wednesday to pray for protection and peace as communities across Tshwane continue to grapple with violent crime and gender-based violence.
The prayer meeting, organised by the Tiyani Mabunda Foundation on 7 October, brought together the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and Correctional Services.
Organisers said the initiative was aimed at addressing crime through both law enforcement and community-based spiritual interventions.
They said the approach recognises that crime affects communities beyond policing, with unemployment, youth involvement in crime, violence and the breakdown of community values also contributing to the problem.
Reverend Khololo, convener of Gauteng Spiritual Crime Prevention, thanked members of the various law enforcement agencies for their work in protecting communities.
“Before we pray, there is something that I want to say that we always forget to say. I want to say to all the law enforcements, the persons in uniform, thank you,” Khololo said.
The Gauteng Spiritual Crime Prevention initiative brings faith leaders and law enforcement together through activities such as prayer, youth outreach, mediation and moral guidance.
During the gathering, pastors prayed for the protection of law enforcement officers, justice, integrity, courage and strength, as well as peace and unity in South Africa.
Tiyani Mabunda said the prayer gathering was also a way for the community to raise concerns and seek support through faith.
“We may not speak to people, but we will speak to the one who created us. We may not tell people our challenges, but we will tell the one who created us,” Mabunda said.
The organisers said they hoped the gathering would strengthen cooperation between communities, faith leaders and law enforcement in the fight against crime.
The event comes as communities in Tshwane continue to call for stronger measures to address violent crime and protect young people from becoming involved in criminal activities.
