Traffic police officers usually get less than glowing reviews from the public, but one Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer is bucking the trend.
The cop was pictured going beyond the call of duty to help a stranded lady change her tyre along a busy highway recently.
Twitter user Faizel Patel shared the photos on Twitter on Wednesday. He attributed them to a certain Kushie Pieterson.
Patel captioned the images, “While some people criticise the JMPD, we should also look at the good they do. Like this officer who stopped to assist this motorist, got on his knees and changed the tyre. We need more like him.”
Images go viral
The inspiring images have gone absolutely viral on Twitter, garnering over 4,100 likes and close to 1,000 retweets on Patel’s post alone.
Another Twitter user, Tendai Joe, also shared the images. His post racked up a stunning 21,000 likes and 6,500 retweets.
South Africans heaped praise on the cop for being an exemplary model of service to the public.
Kgomotso Molefi wrote, “We need more police officers to keep the city and its citizens safe. Please convey our heartfelt messages of congratulations to the officer.”
Former Public Protector Prof Thuli Madonsela was also moved to comment. She replied, “Well done to the JMPD officer. This is #Ubuntu; itβs service beyond the call of duty.”
It appears there are more kind and dedicated officers than most would admit. One Twitter user, Neliswa, shared a photo of other cops similarly helping her change a tyre recently.
@sharleneProber1 hailed the cop as a gentleman, “An officer and a gentleman. I will share this. SA could do with some positive vibes. Well done to the officer!”
JMPD boss reacts
The officer has nevertheless remained unnamed so far. However, the pictures caught the attention of JMPD boss David Tembe.
Writing on Twitter, he thanked South Africans for their encouraging feedback, adding that “Our @JoburgMPD officers always aimed to serve and protect citizens with pride and dedication.”