Community prays for rampant crime in Butterworth

The ongoing violence in Msobomvu township in Butterworth prompted different religious sects to gather at the township’s Sports Stadium, where a prayer vigil was held to try to combat the crime incidents that have been increasing in this township.

According to Mbuyi Kasana of the independent organisation, Gwiba le Sizwe for Women and Children Foundation, one of the prayer’s organisers. He said Msobomvu, which used to be reputable, produces celebrities, and is also known for its high pass rate in its high school, Msobomvu High School, has recently turned into a place of resentment and violence.

He said that this is why they believed that the intervention of prayer could be the solution to the problems confronting this township.

“This prayer was about the community’s unity in this township, as well as asking God to intervene in the Msobomvu community’s problem. These issues include rape of women, the issue of increased drug sales and prevalence, which leads to an increase in violence,” Kasana stated.

Neliswa Mjikeliso, a resident of this township, expressed hope for a change because they are beginning to include prayers with different congregations.

Mjikeliso said that the prayer organised at the beginning of the year provides hope. She claims that they are already unsafe in their childhood homes. She went on to say that while they do have a police station, it is the most corrupt.

Some of those who attended the prayer included East London’s Apostle Leo Keise, who expressed that a nation without God will perish.

“God created mankind. Returning to God is the simplest way to save someone. We also urge the public to return to the old custom of not going to bed without praying. We learned to pray at home, not in school,” Apostle Keise said.

“People’s consciences die when they turn away from God, but when they stay with God, their consciences live. Because everything is broken, now is the time for people to turn back to God,” he concluded.

He also urged people throughout the province to follow in the footsteps of the Msobomvu community and return to God.

Reverend Unathi Nkomfa, Bishop S. Mashicila, Bishop M. Sebe, Reverend Mangquku, Reverend Kekuwe, and Babalwa Menze were among those present.