A Rocklands church honoured residents for their selfless service to the community, through the work that they do.
Petra Life Centre recognised local City of Cape Town firefighters, law enforcement officers, SAPS, doctors, nurses, lawyers and Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts, during a service on Sunday October 16.
According to the National Crime statistics for 2021/22, more than 100 murders were committed in Mitchell’s Plain, placing it among the top 10 crime police stations in the country.
Pastor Jeremiah Willemse said it was imperative for them as a church to honour “these selfless women and men, who often risked their lives to save ours”.
He said the crime statistics indicated the level of stress and workload men and women in uniform experienced daily.
“One hundred and forty-four attempted murders in Mitchell’s Plain alone is staggering and just to think all those men and women have to deal with the trauma and injuries of these casualties,’’ he said.
Mr Willemse said dedicating a service and giving them certificates of appreciation was the least they could do as a church.
Mr Potts said these people were the cornerstone of their community.
“Even though they are severely under-resourced, they are exposed to serious crimes and traumatic events daily.
‘’These individuals need our prayer everyday as they are special people who are called to serve their communities and today we have the pleasure of honouring these men and women,” he said.