Serve like Jesus, police told at national prayer day

Originally published in ioL News

Police have turned to God to assist them in their fight against crime and carrying out their daily duties.

The SA National Police Service held its national prayer day on Friday (July 20) at the Pretoria West Police College where the top management and spiritual leaders encouraged officers to let God into their lives and everyday duties.

Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Bonang Ngwenya, told the members they would not be able to succeed alone and should seek God’s intervention.

“We need the success that God gave to the likes of Moses and Joshua,” she said.

Ngwenya told the officers that if they wanted to be known and recognised in the SAPS, they needed to work like slaves who adhered to their master’s instructions. “We must be like Jesus who, when he came to the world, did not come to be served but to serve and give his life. He served us unconditionally.

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“My message to you is that to be a hero in the SAPS, you don’t have to backstab; …do your work in a heroic manner. No one should match your standard,” said Ngwenya.

She encouraged the men and women in blue not to be discouraged by people who bad-mouthed them yet still expected them to serve. She said although they were being persecuted, as long as one positive thing was said about them, it made a big difference.

“We hear of how police officers are persecuted when one or two make mistakes. The community becomes very loud but, when our own are killed insuring the safety of our community, little is said. It pains us a lot. Members, don’t be discouraged, let’s continue serving like Jesus Christ and we will be rewarded by an unseen God.”

Another Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Magda Stander, also encouraged the officers to seek answers in prayer. She said the gathering transcended differences and brought members from all backgrounds together.

“At times it’s easy to lose ourselves in the clutter and rush of our own lives and the fight against crime.

“These moments of prayer slow us down. They remind us that no matter how much responsibility, how much power we think we have, we are incomplete vessels,” said Stander.

Bishop Solomon Botwana who delivered the sermon at the event, said a sick society had no respect for the men and women in blue.

He said he had never dreamed that he would see a day where community members would wave fists at police officers.

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“I never thought I would see a day where a member of the public kills an officer. These people are not only disrespecting the individual but the badge and government of the country. They should be given the toughest sentences. God please help us understand what police officers mean to us,” he said.

Botwana also spoke of how the good work being done by police was undermined by the justice system. He said officers would arrest a suspect who the following day would be back on the streets. “Let’s pray for justice to prevail in society,” said Botwana.