Kakamas Station in the ZF Mgcawu district in conjunction with the Department of Transport Safety and Liaison, the Local Municipality, Community Policing Forum, Kakamas Religious Organization, Women and Youth Against Crime, Kakamas Women’s Network, Care 4 Life as well as the Kakamas Foundation, commemorated International Nelson Mandela Day under the theme “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.
The event took place at Witrand, Pluto Street in Kakamas. The purpose of this day was to give back and to uplift the community of Kakamas. Kakamas SAPS took the initiative to assist the family of Mr Engelbrecht by refurbishing their home after it was recently destroyed by fire due to alleged electric faults.
On Saturday, 18 June 2022 members of Kakamas SAPS were conducting their random patrols when they noticed the house on fire. The three members, namely Sergeant Neville Mouton, Constable Melvin de Wee and Reservist Constable Ricardo van Wyk swiftly reacted and extinguished the blaze .
They broke down the door to gain access in order to rescue the family from the fire. They managed to rescue three minor children and the elderly grandfather who is a paraplegic and bed ridden. The three members’ placed their own lives in danger and braved the flames to rescue the victims.
This display of bravery was a clear indication that the members take pride in serving and protecting our communities.The programme started off with devotion by Pastor Pine Pienaar. The Station Commander of Kakamas SAPS,Colonel Andries Witbooi welcomed the delegation.
Brigadier Joyce Ramaru, who attended the event on behalf of the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Major General Koliswa Otola, delivered the keynote address. The vote of thanks was done by the Councillor of the Witrand community, Mr Lester Tieties. They concluded with all participants lending a helping hand in renovating the home if the victims.
The house was painted, the electricity was installed and a ramp was built for the convenience of the disabled Mr Stanford Nova. The project was deemed a great success. The Care 4 Life handed over food parcels to the family and also served soup to the family as well as for all those who were in attendance.