Northern Cape top cop brings early Christmas cheer to Galeshewe elderly
Festive cheer and goodwill were in full swing at the event. Picture: SAPS
THE NORTHERN Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, spread holiday joy by celebrating an early Christmas with residents of the Gaasca Community Service Centre for the Elderly in Galeshewe.
The festive occasion followed the GBVF Colour Walk held earlier in the day.
According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock, the event began on December 11 with a vibrant motorcade led by the Kimberley CC Riders motorcyclists, accompanied by Lieutenant-General Otola, members of her team, and the Traffic Department, SAPS officers, and Community Police Forums.
The formal programme took place at the Gaasca Community Service Centre, where Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, the provincial head of Proactive Policing, served as the programme director. Brigadier Terresia Bosman, provincial commander for Corporate Services at the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, delivered the opening prayer.
A warm welcome was extended by Jomo Jonkers, representing the Gaasca Centre, followed by Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga, deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection, who outlined the purpose of the day.
Messages of support were shared by JP Hunt of CC Riders and Kimberley Boys’ High School principal Xolile Taba, both pledging continued support for SAPS initiatives as the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign concludes.
In her keynote address, Lieutenant-General Otola emphasised the importance of protecting elderly citizens from crime. She noted that the elderly are often targeted by criminals, but the SAPS is committed to preventing and combating these heinous acts.
“We value the wisdom, experience and contributions the elderly citizens bring to the community. As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we want to take this opportunity to appreciate and honour our elderly, while we vow to work tirelessly to keep them safe and secure this festive season and beyond," she said.
Lieutenant-General Otola and her team distributed Christmas gifts to the elderly and shared a festive lunch with attendees. The celebration concluded with heartfelt Christmas carols and a vote of thanks delivered by Colonel Sebe Qunta of Proactive Policing.
