A programme to ”empower” police officers and their families through motivation, prayer and support was launched at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
”I’m very excited. If you look at all the criticism of the police department, it is very seldom that people show appreciation and support for what we do,” said Johannesburg police Area Commissioner Oswald Reddy.
Pastor Ray McCauley said the church had realised it needed to do something after police infiltrated a gang that had planned to take him hostage and rob the church.
”The gang was at a garage across the street dressed in church clothes and carrying Bibles,” said McCauley. Police arrested the gang before the plan could be carried out.
The young man who infiltrated the gang was an example of a police officer who put his life on the line. ”Nobody says well done,” said McCauley.
McCauley said the programme is intended to take police ”to a higher moral ground”.
”We are trying to motivate, inspire, and deal with corruption,” he said.
He added that the initiative might provide a platform for police to come forward with information about illegal activities.
While criticism of the police is often justified, it should be noted that police put their lives on the line, McCauley said.
The joint initiative between the South African Police Service, the Rhema Bible Church and the I Can Foundation began on Tuesday, with a motivational speech by initiative coordinator David Molapo.
Police and their families roared with laughter at Molapo’s comedic talk, which highlighted the importance of growth, commitment and trust.
The next phase of the programme will be a presentation and motivation to senior police management, followed by police taking part in National Youth Day, Women’s Month and World Aids Day.
The fourth phase will deal with media relations. The programme will culminate in a national prayer day on October to honour police officers who go beyond the call of duty.
”We are fighting the good fight,” said Reddy. ”We need to work together against crime across racial and religious divides.”
McCauley said the initiative is aimed at all denominations and faiths, and the national prayer day will take place in churches, mosques and other places of worship.
He mentioned an example where he had seen police trying to arrest two men. One police officer had no handcuffs and after bustling the suspect into a police vehicle, could not get it to start.
”This is demotivating and doesn’t give a good impression in the community.”
All parties urged businesses, civil society and NGOs to get involved in the initiative. — Sapa