On Wednesday, 19 February, residents of Lawley gathered for a community prayer walk aimed at confronting the ongoing crime and violence in the area.
The procession began at 5pm from the Lawley Fire station then proceeded along Walter Road ended at the R558 intersection where residents paused for a final prayer and words of encouragement. The peaceful marchers were escorted by 2 police vehicles from Ennerdale SAPS who provided support and ensured the safety of residents throughout the route.
Sharing the motivation behind the prayer walk, organiser, Matshidiso Ntaba, said: “The idea behind the prayer walk was to ask God to intervene in all the ongoing crime and bloodshed in Lawley.”
Co-organiser, Sibonelo Mtshali, said the community has endured years of violence. “Today, we conducted a prayer walk, asking God to intervene. Since 2022, there has been a lot of bloodshed in our community, and we have witnessed rampant gangsterism. I believe this situation is now beyond human power. We are here to ask God for help, because without Him, the violence in Lawley will continue,” he said.
Lwazi Mnisi, a resident of Lawley, said he was encouraged by the turnout. “I feel encouraged seeing the community united for the prayer walk. When something cannot be handled by human hands, we ask God to intervene. The fact that so many of us came shows the sincerity of this matter. As the Scripture says, when we come together, we can overcome this evil,” he said.
Mtshali added, “As we conclude, my heart’s desire is to see this gangsterism being diffused. Week in and week out we are attending funerals. We are tired of seeing our parents crying.”
Pastor Moeti also shared a message of hope as the event concluded, “I really appreciate that our community is united. Unity is strength. What we did today will bring good results. Amen.”
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