Chatsworth Police, in partnership with the Chatsworth and Phoenix spiritual crime prevention forums, hosted a Spiritual Fathers and Sons Child Protection Programme at the Pentecostal Evangelistic Centre in Chatsworth recently.
Captain Cheryl Pillay spearheaded this programme to highlight crimes committed against children in society, while Captain Selvan Shanmugam prayed at the inception of the programme, asking for spiritual blessings to be bestowed upon the children, stakeholders, and society.
Reverend Cyril Pillay, chairperson of the Chatsworth spiritual crime prevention forum, reiterated to the children and society as a whole that God watches over all of His children.
He said: “Those in society who transgress, especially those who hold religious positions, must be held accountable for their actions. The SCPF has a specific mandate with the police to act through spiritual interventions. In partnership with SAPS Chatsworth, we remain on course in dealing with criminals who are lurking in safe spaces, preying on the vulnerable in society. We applaud Captain Cheryl Pillay for her commitment from a spiritual perspective in addressing and empowering children at this programme. Every child is my child, therefore take care and protect all children as your own.”
Apostle Sanjay Balaram, together with Moulana Tariq Mohamed, offered prayer and support to the children, where they committed, as spiritual leaders, to protect children.
Captain Pillay said: “We further pledge to ensure that spiritual leaders operate their religious institutions within the ambit of the law and the spiritual mandates placed upon each one’s shoulders. The Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum is working closely with the police to empower and educate society. Moulana Mohamed made an appeal to all of society to break the silence on child abuse and gender-based violence. Pastor Vanessa Chetty of the Hope Foundation engaged with the young children on their rights to be protected, empowering them to attain their dreams.
“I called on spiritual leaders to take ownership of their spaces, especially as vulnerable people and children are congregants at their services. The Child Protection Register is a register of individuals deemed unsuitable to work with children, and employers must ensure their staff are not on this register. Employers are legally obligated to check the Child Protection Register and ensure their staff are fit to work with children. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including imprisonment or fines. Persons whose names appear on the register have been found unsuitable to work with children by the court. Chatsworth Police will continue to serve and protect all of society.”
