An eight-year-old homeless boy in the Free State was spoilt by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday.
National police said the boy from Ladybrand in the Free State had celebrated his eighth birthday on September 9 and had not eaten anything in days.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said Lieutenant Colonel Tume Ramahlaha was out jogging before reporting for duty when he passed the destitute boy and his mother.
“They were busy scavenging through rubble for leftover food when Ramahlaha stopped to engage with them.”
She said Ramahlala is attached to Border Policing and is currently in the Free State to visit teams deployed in the province as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.
“Upon further questioning, Ramahlaha established that it had been days since the boy and his mother had something to eat.
“He also established that the boy does not have a school uniform, and as a result was not allowed to attend school.”
Van Wyk said he immediately arranged for the boy and his family to enjoy a meal at his current accommodation while he contacted relevant authorities to intervene and assist the family.
Ramahlaha contacted his colleague Captain Cilliè Truter and the team decided to make it a special day for the boy.
“They arranged for the boy to get a haircut, bought him a school uniform, new clothes, shoes, toys and a birthday cake.
“Truter says that this was made possible through contributions made by each of his members from their own pockets.”
“There is no greater calling than being of service to our communities. We are deployed to combat illicit mining activities in the Free State, but we will not fold our arms when vulnerable community members need our help,” said Truter.
It is understood that the Department of Social Development were informed and the boy will be heading back to school.
IOL News