NOORDWESTER – LICHTENBURG - Casual Day is an annual event aimed at raising funds for persons with disabilities to create awareness regarding disabilities within the South African Police Service. On Friday, 5 September, Ditsobotla service point consisting of Lichtenburg, Biesiesvlei, Coligny, Itsoseng, Detectives, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Dog unit (K9), Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG), Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) gathered together at Lichtenburg rugby stadium to honour persons with disabilities.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional development, Assupol, Old Mutual and Astron energy formed part of this occasion. The programme officially commenced with a Bible verse reading and a word of prayer by Sargeant Sesupo Molefe, followed by Lieutenant Colonel Boitshepo Mokwena, who welcomed all attendees and remarked that, “this will serve as team building for the service point”. He further motivated members to participate in planned activities of the day. Wellness champions, PAC Maggy Chabalala, and AC Sibongile Ciya conducted the candle lighting in remembrance of the police officials who died in the line of duty and Bishop Maruping Mokgalagadi, Deputy Chairperson of the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, prayed for the families who lost their loved ones in the line of duty, and petitioned for police killings to cease. Moreover, a person with disability Ms Mmamokete Thebehali, when rendering her speech, said “people must treat the physically challenged with respect and stop stigmatisation and discrimination”. She added that people with disabilities are able to contribute countless valuable ways in society. Four identified members of SAPS, Warrant Officer Mpho Moloi, AC Neo Tuwe, AC Nkosi Mlamla and AC Mmamokete Thebehali from Itsoseng and Lichtenburg and K9 unit police stations were presented with gifts by Lieutenant Colonel Henk Van Rensburg and AC Ntoso Mothusi in honouring and acknowledging different disabilities within the organisation. Thereafter numerous indigenous games, tug of war and soccer was played and a lot of amusement and talent was displayed. In conclusion, Capt Thabo Mafethe gave the vote of thanks and commented that unity is the power. He expressed how delighted he was on the outcome of the event and urged members to put the same effort in the fight against crime.
