Elders residing in Thabong, Welkom were recently honoured by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The members of the Thabong Social Crime Prevention in partnership with Thabong Community Policing Forum (CPF), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Ward Councillors of 12 and 26 and Boxer Store honoured the elderly by inviting them for lunch and showering them with gifts. The event took place on Wednesday at the Assemblies of God Church at Oppenheimer Park.
According to a police statement, senior citizens were spoiled with goodies such as fleece blankets and a cake decorated with a SAPS badge from Boxer Store in Welkom, lunch was provided by Thabong SAPS Social Crime Prevention members who contributed from their own pockets just to thank the pillars of the community. Information was also shared with the senior citizens about crime-crime hints concerning rapes, domestic violence, house breaking, house robberies were shared with the senior citizens.
A representative from Sassa Mthandeki Govozela appealed to the senior citizens to stop lending money from the loan sharks. “ You must never give your pin or card to strangers or anyone that you don’t trust” said Govozela. He further pleaded with the elderly not to sign documents or with people who want to deduct money from their pensions.
The senior citizens were also afforded an opportunity to pose questions to the different stakeholders and share their wisdom. More than 50 senior citizens ranging from the age of 60 to 98 attended the event and all of them are residents of sector two which entails the following areas: Phokeng, 2010 Village, Moshongoville, Oppenheimer Park and Jerusalema Park.
The CPF was represented by Sello Ramontoedi who addressed the elderly. He encouraged them to take heed of the hints provided by the police and known that CPF and Community patrollers are there for them.
The newly appointed Station Commander of Thabong SAPS Brigadier Nikiwe Hoaeane thanked the elderly for honouring the invitation from Thabong SAPS.
“ You are the are the pillars of the community and we love and appreciate you so much. Thabong Station is achieving so much because of you,” said Brig Hoaeane. She encouraged them to report any domestic violence related incidents that occur in their homes and vicinity.
Statement Issued by the SAPS Thabong Corporate Communication and Liaison
