By: Luyanda Mzobe
The South African Police Services prayer day was commemorated on Wednesday, 30September, at St Alban’s Cathedral, in Pretoria. Acting deputy national commissioner for support services, Lieutenant General (Dr) Bongiwe Zulu, shared the support available for officers whose faith is not enough to get them through traumatic experiences, support available for those who loses their loved ones, could be a spouse or a bread winner. She also highlighted the challenges they face as they serve the country.
photo by: Nonhlakanipho Mlangeni
Lieutenant General (Dr) Bongiwe Zulu delivering the vote of thanks during prayer day
“Police have been killed in the line of duty, police have become victims of crime while trying to protect the other victims of crime”, says Dr Zulu. She emphasised that as police officers they not immune to be the victims of crime hence they gathered to call upon almighty to be with them and protect them as they continue to do this job of serving the society. Dr Zulu urged also the community to pray with them because there are many other challenges they face such as crime scenes that are traumatic and medical help would not be enough for an officer to get through such experience but prayer can, hence there was a presence of pastors and intercessors to pray on such points.
photo by: Nonhlakanipho Mlangeni
Intercessors led by Lt Col NA Mokoena
“If someone kills one police officer, someone’s life is also not being protected because of the death of that one police officer”, says Dr Zulu.
The South African Police Services has support services available for officers as they face traumatic experiences, support for family members of those who lost their lives in the line of duty to strengthen their mental and spiritual health through SAPS employee wellness programme where they are assisted with spiritual strength, psychologist to assist with psychological issues to give them mental strength for them to continue to work. Social workers also form part of measures taken to assist families who lost their loved one until they are able to stand on their own.
South African Police Services Education Trust is there to support kids who still needs to go to school after the passing of their next of kin, from primary school to tertiary level, Dr Zulu said, “we have graduates that has already graduated from SAPSET”. She then urged the community members to donate on SAPSET by contacting their nearest police station for details on how to donate and help shape the future of kids who lose their parents.
