Potchefstroom - North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa, encouraged police officials to participate in sports to help boost their abilities to fight crime.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the South African Police National Rugby Championship in Potchefstroom on Monday, MEC Yawa said the police's participation in extramural activities will help in forging good relations and prepare them mentally and physically in their jobs.
"While sports' values of fairness, teamwork, pursuit of excellence are universal, this championship is about recharging for a camaraderie that should send a signal to criminals that the days for their parasitic activities are indeed numbered because our police officers are getting fit to tackle them, outrun them and score decisive victories against them.
"Like in the game of rugby, police should be ready to work together with our communities to form a solid scrum in defense of our streets, schools and homes against the scourge of crime," MEC Yawa said.
The six days championship, hosted by the North West, is expected to produce high-octane performance by individual players, all provincial teams and the three developmental teams.
MEC Yawa expressed appreciation for the phenomenal support that the Springboks and Bafana Bafana enjoyed from all sections of the province throughout the Rugby Test Series and the FIFA Confederation Cup.
He said that the support attest to the fact that sports brings people together, no matter their origin, background, religious belief or economic status.
