Keetmanshoop is rallying its residents to take a stand against increasing crime through prayer and collective action.
The municipality, GangFree Keetmanshoop, the Krönlein Community Organisation and the Keetmanshoop Pastors’ Forum are collaborating on the matter.
Keetmanshoop mayor Annelize Knouwds earlier this week called on the community to pray for peace, guidance and strength at an event which was scheduled for last night.
“We believe the power of prayer can bring profound change, and we would love for you to be a part of this meaningful gathering,” she said.
GangFree Keetmanshoop chairperson Desmund Andreas says Keetmanshoop is finding itself at a moral crossroads.
He says the proliferation of gangs like the Hosh-Hosh group, the scourge of drugs and the unchecked rise of illicit activities involving shebeens are plunging the community into a “spiritual and social abyss”.
He says families are torn apart, children are trapped in addiction and hope dwindles under the weight of fear and despair.
“We have to stand together against evil, forces fuelling crime, addiction, and moral decay. We have to stand for the healing of our community and town and be agents of reconciliation.
“We need to mobilise faithful action and rise as ambassadors of hope, actively engaging in the restoration of Keetmanshoop,” Andreas says.
GangFree Keetmanshoop’s prayer meeting will take place on 26 January.
Reverend Lezley Leukes, the chairperson of the Keetmanshoop Pastors’ Forum, says faith-based organisations are committed to supporting the various organisations and the community in the fight against crime.
“We have agreed that tackling crime and evils in society must be an ongoing targeted action. Therefore the forum will present a programme of activities throughout the year for the community and restoration of the town,” he says.
According to //Kharas region police statistics, crimes reported over the festive season include two murder cases reported at Keetmanshoop, three attempted murders, 25 robberies and 28 assault cases.
Police commissioner Marius Katamila says 15 domestic violence cases, two rape charges and 16 housebreaking cases were also reported.
He says one of the murder cases appears to be gang-related.
“Gangsterism is taking root at the town because of drugs and results in fighting among rival gangs over territories where drugs are sold. But the police are not sleeping.
‘DRUGS WORTH N$8 MILLION’
“We have confiscated drugs worth N$8 million on three different occasions over the festive season. That demonstrates that the police are hard at work at cutting down on the operations of drug lords, which are at the root of these evils,” Katamila says.
He says the police have arrested most gang members known to have committed crimes during the 2023 festive season.
“However, many of them were released after serving jail time and have returned to terrorising the community.”
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