A number of 23 soccer teams and 8 netball teams under 15 and senior teams, participated in the sports against crime tournament that was hosted by the South African Police Service, CPF, Bakoena N1N4 toll and UNICA at the Hammanskraal Temba stadium on Saturday.
The Sport against crime tournament is hosted three times annually with the aim of keeping youth away from being victims of crime and drug abuse.
Captain Sarah Lesabane, of Temba SAPS said the police saw a need to host the sports against crime tournament as school children were on recess.
“We saw a need to host this tournament as a way of keeping youth from the streets during this youth month because this is when they are vulnerable to be victims of crime and drug abuse.
“Our role as SAPS is to work hand in hand with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) which is next to our police station to rehabilitate drug users,” she added.
Mr Levy Mathipa, the chairperson of CPF who was also the organizer of the tournament said through the tournament, youth can see that there they can build their lives around sports instead of putting their lives at risk.
“We also want the community to understand that the police are people like them and also to encourage the police to work hand in hand with the community for their safety and information gathering,” said Mr Matjila.
Mr Godfrey Mthembu of Bakwena N1N4 toll said Bakwena N1N4 toll is involved in the tournament to promote youth development and safety.
“The reason we became involved in this initiative is because we are aware that crime, drug and substance abuse are a major problem in Hammanskraal and we want to help in getting children from the streets,” said Mr Mthembu.
The winners of the tournament were rewarded according to their positions with the first place receiving gold medal, trophy, and sport gear. The second place position received silver medal, trophy and sport gear and the third place position received a bronze medal.
Netball under 15:
First prize-Shining star
Second prize-Ruffians
Third prize- Heroes Fc
Netball senior:
First prize-winning Ruffians
Second prize – Heroes fc
Third prize – Trinity
Soccer under15
First prize- Ruffians fc from
Second position- Bakwena
Under 23:
First prize-Ruffians fc
Second prize-Kufaka fc
Third prize-Moteo dream team
