| Beyond the police eye: Lending a hand to social needs | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/10/17 |
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Media Statement HARRISMITH - Constable Belinda Thembisile Tshabalala from the Harrismith South African Police Service, attached to the Social Crime Prevention Unit, fully understands the ethical principles of the organisation which state that: “Ethical policing demands that we, as employees of the South African Police Service, act with integrity and respect for people’s diversity and the law, thereby enhancing service excellence to the approval of the public.” Social Crime Prevention focuses on reducing crime through a soft approach — by mobilising communities to raise awareness about crime within various sectors and wards of a policing precinct. Often, social ills that contribute to crime or lead to the emergence of certain crime trends can be mitigated through community-based initiatives. Some police officers go further by initiating projects and programmes that address poverty and other challenges, often in partnership with community members and non-profit organisations. Constable Tshabalala embodies this spirit of service beyond policing. As a Christian, she lives by the words: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.” While conducting social crime prevention duties and serving protection orders in the Intabazwe area, Selahliwe Section, Constable Tshabalala noticed a group of children playing in the street. Her attention was drawn to one little girl who was not participating like the others. Out of concern, she approached the child and was deeply moved to learn that the reason she could not play was due to a physical disability. The child, an 8-year-old girl, lives in a shack with her mother and three siblings, where she is the eldest. Constable Tshabalala, together with Sergeant L.C. Motaung, visited Zanele’s home to meet her mother and better understand their situation. During the visit, the mother explained that she had been unable to seek medical help for her daughter because she is the sole caregiver to her other children and struggles to manage the long hospital queues. Sergeant Motaung immediately contacted Sister Mosikidi from Harrismith Clinic, who advised that the matter be referred to the Department of Social Development so that social workers could intervene and expedite assistance. The officers then approached OVV, a local NGO, and Miss Motaung, a social worker, stepped in to assist. After visiting the Mthombeni family, she discovered that the situation was even more severe than initially perceived. The social worker arranged for the girl to be examined at Harrismith Clinic, from where she was referred to Thebe District Hospital for further medical evaluation. The case is now being handled by the social worker in collaboration with medical professionals to ensure she receives the necessary care and support.
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