GEORGE NEWS - Prison warders from all over the Southern Cape gathered at the George Prison last Thursday morning for a divine cleansing service after several warders and inmates had died last year. In 2011 two members died in car accidents, one was murdered and three members committed suicide. Two inmates also committed suicide.

Mr J Cedras from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said the purpose of the ceremony was an effort to claim the Southern Cape area (Beaufort West, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and George) back for God.

"We have decided to invite the divine intervention to cleanse the blood and tears which touched our ground during that time of bereavement in this management area. We want to claim back what the devil wants," he said.

Mrs Ndileka Booi, the Area Commissioner said that the devil is on a destructive mission in their management area and that there is little hope left in the department because of all the unusual accidents and suicidal deaths.

We want our religious leaders to instill hope in our hopeless souls. We want God to come and save us and help us understand," said Booi.

Reverend Mzukisi Faleni, Chaplain of the Southern Cape DCS together with other religious lea-ders from the community led the prayer service. Pastor Amos Moyikwa from the Pentecostal Church, Imam M Bhorat, Mam Zondi from the ATR, Father Sandile Mila from the Catholic Church, Reverend A Makananda from the Protestant Church as well as various choirs attended the service.

Leaders from various religious groups shared the same message when they urged the people to first cleanse their own hearts before asking God to look after their management area. They also encouraged everyone present to keep praying and to align their lives in obedience to God.


Area Commissioner Mrs Ndileka Booi and choir members were on their feet during the time of song and praise.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: LIZETTE DA SILVA