HARRISMITH – A police constable’s keen observation and compassionate response have opened doors to medical care for an eight-year-old disabled child in Harrismith, demonstrating how community policing extends far beyond traditional law enforcement.
Constable Belinda Thembisile Tshabalala from Harrismith South African Police Service, attached to the Social Crime Prevention Unit, exemplifies the organisation’s ethical principles that demand officers “act with integrity and respect for people’s diversity and the law, thereby enhancing service excellence to the approval of the public.”
The Social Crime Prevention Unit focuses on reducing crime through community mobilisation and awareness initiatives within various sectors and wards of a policing precinct. Social ills that contribute to crime can often be mitigated through community-based initiatives, with some officers going further by initiating projects that address poverty and other challenges.
Whilst 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 for her inability to play was a physical disability.
The child, eight-year-old Zanele Mthombeni, 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, Zanele’s 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 non-governmental organisation, 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 Zanele 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 Zanele receives the necessary care and support.
As a Christian, Constable Tshabalala lives by the principle: “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.”
Her actions demonstrate how community policing can address social challenges that contribute to crime, creating safer and more supportive communities through compassionate intervention.
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