Strandfontein residents pray against crime

Alicia English|Published 5 months ago

Strandfontein Police held a spiritual crime prevention initiative at Strandfontein High last week, which was supported by the Strandfontein community police forum, religious leaders and residents.

Sergeant Deon Coetzee of Strandfontein Police, far right, who deals with the spiritual and psycho-social aspects of crime prevention, addresses religious leaders and residents during the prayer walk at Strandfontein High.

Strandfontein Police held a spiritual crime prevention initiative at Strandfontein High last week in response to the prevalence of crime in schools and the greater community.

Police officers, supported by members of the Strandfontein community police forum, religious leaders and residents, took part in a prayer walk throughout the school premises on Thursday September 5.

Sergeant Deon Coetzee of Strandfontein Police said there is a need for prayer intervention to restore moral and ethical values of respect and discipline, sobriety and to see the regeneration of individuals and families, which impact crime in the area.

He said the aim is to take a moral approach to reduce crime at its roots.

“Crime affects everyone, including schools, families, businesses. We need to look at the spiritual, emotional and psychological aspects of crime,” he said.

Apart from praying for the social ills in Strandfontein, the community also prayed for teachers and pupils of Strandfontein High and for a conducive educational environment in classrooms.

Sandy Schuter Flowers, chairperson of the Strandfontein community police forum echoed the sentiments of Sergeant Coetzee. She said the forum supports the police’s holistic approach to crime prevention, which includes prayer.

Sergeant Coetzee added that more spiritual interventions will be held in the greater Strandfontein area.