“Building partnerships between the South African Police Service in the Free State and the target publics in order to address crime through different sporting activities”
Different proactive crime prevention teams in Mangaung Metro in Bloemfontein embarked on awareness campaigns in a number of police station precincts.
The operation Operation Shanela was led by the Station Commander of Bloemspruit, Brigadier Dingiliswe Esau Fothoane. A large number of youth, including members of different communities, were brought together and participated in different sporting activities.
Mobilisation within the community was conducted through media platforms, including Motheo FM and Radio Bloem. The first games kicked off at Grassland Sport Grounds in Bloemspruit Police Station area.
The Station Commander, Brigadier ‘Metroblitz’ Fothoane, declared the games open, and young and old participated in two sporting codes; football and netball. First Tjhebelopele Scouts mesmerized the crowd with drill moves, and then the teams affiliated to SAPS, Teachers Association, Fire Brigade, and Masters participated in the games. Professional SAFA referee, Constable Mokhele ‘Wachita’ Thulo empowered aspiring young referees by guiding them during the games.
Various roleplayers; Department of Community Safety Roads and Transport, Department of Social Development and stakeholders; FAMSA, LOVE LIFE, Phaphama Motjha [non-profit organization] and Letsatsi [non-governmental organization] assembled at Ikgomotseng Sport Grounds in Soutpan Police Station precinct. Young and old participated in crime dialogue (Gender-Based violence and substance abuse), drama, cultural dance and choral music.
Youth day celebrations continued in Selosesha Police Station area, Mokoena Location. Stations in the East in Mangaung Metro came together and, with Ekasi Sports Development, hosted a football tournament to remove youth from the streets; keeping idle minds occupied. District CPO, Sergeant Adelina Lesibe and District Youth Coordinator Constable Thato Mothamane held a session with Freedom Square and Phase 4 youth with the theme being “Preserving history: Inspiring patriotism”. Young Boys and Girls danced to Kofifi melodies dressed in Sophiatown vintage attire. The youth engaged in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide debates and re-lived Sarafina days.