Freedom Day in Manenberg: Colour run of Hope aims to combat crime and foster unity
Police and crime fighters in Manenberg took to the streets for their “Colour Run of Hope" together with the youth.
Image: supplied
As Freedom Day is being celebrated, police and crime fighters in Manenberg took to the streets for their “Colour Run of Hope,” aimed at bringing awareness that their community was more than just gangsterism and crime.
The route followed the Manenberg policing precinct with police officers and crime fighters colourfully dressed.
Manenberg Police Station spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett, said Station Commander, Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, called for the run to signify hope to the children and people of Manenberg, that they were more than just a crime statistic. The event was held on Saturday.
“April month signifies the celebration of South Africa's journey to freedom, yet through gang violence behaviour, substance abuse, and gender-based violence, communities seem to be trapped and cannot celebrate this important day in its entirety,” he said. “It cannot be seen as another public holiday.
“Manenberg SAPS paints a new picture of colourful hope for our community. Brigadier Jayce Naidoo and his team of crime fighters have come out with a vibrant Manenberg Colour Run of Hope, celebrating the freedom of Manenberg. The Colour Run is the ability to walk, run, and play in the streets of Manenberg Policing Precinct. The route takes you through the heart of Manenberg Policing precinct.”
Bennett added that their aim was to spread hope and positivity with the vibrant colours, which children in Manenberg often do not see. Their team went as far as decorating the police station with the beautiful colours.
“New life injected into the community will be felt for weeks to come; if you did not see it, you will definitely feel it," he said.
“Communities cheered the runners on as they entered; participants were welcomed home to the finish line by Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, Shamila Van Schalk, Chairperson of the District Community Police Forum, and Farouk Meyer, President of the Western Province Athletics.”
Police and crime fighters in Manenberg took to the streets for their “Colour Run of Hope" together with the youth.
Image: supplied
Bennett said their message was clear, to celebrate life and freedom while fighting crime: “This is what Manenberg must celebrate. Manenberg SAPS celebrates the hope we have in every child that runs this route. They are the future.
"Let's build a perfect policing precinct by changing the face of Manenberg step by step. The freedom of Manenberg is at hand.”