Kind police officers in Umbulumbulu, eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal have won praise after going beyond the call of duty over the weekend.
The officers donated clothes and groceries to a 13-year-old girl and her grandmother, who are living in a shack.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) shared the story on its social media pages on Sunday along with pictures of the girl and granny’s living conditions.
‘Girl chased away by mom’
SAPS captioned the images, “A 13-year-old girl chased away from home by her mother was taken to her granny in Umbumbulu by police.
“Police arranged clothes and groceries for the girl and her granny. They also spoke to the councillor who agreed to build a new house for the granny.”
SAPS did not indicate why the mother allegedly chased away her daughter, whose identity, as well as that of her granny, was not revealed.
Lindiwe Sisulu steps in
The tweet got the attention of Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, who promised to take action.
She tweeted, “We will get in touch with the Councillor there to expect my team. We will build a house and of course inform Social Development so that the family is registered for help.
“With Police like these we will get this country right. They deserve my nomination for the ‘Best Police’ Award!!”
Other social media users also praised the officers for their kindness. @Just_Visiting commented, “Excellent P.R (no sarcasm). Need to highlight the dedication majority of police persons give to this underpaid, under-appreciated, under-equipped and dangerous job. Thank you to these men for showing us what ubuntu really means.”
“That’s great, so please before we blink can we get solid commitment and timelines about this project. Please don’t let this end on Twitter; there are too many people living in poverty. Thanks SAPS; keep us posted,” added @mahaliamatsini.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula also said, “Long live @SAPoliceService. Job well done! God bless.”
Others, like @IAMMZU, had something to say about the councillor, “Where was the councillor all along? Am I wrong to think that the councillor is supposed to be someone who is always amongst his/her constituency. By the way, big up SAPS; this is beautiful.”