CAPE TOWN – On Thursday 11 June, Zanele Hali took to Facebook to share a moment of unexpected kindness she had experienced on the road. Her simple and sincere post of gratitude was followed by a wave of warmth. The post cut through the noise of social media as a reminder that acts of compassion matter.
Hali had been driving along Stellenbosch Arterial when her baby began crying inconsolably in the back seat. She wanted to stop and attend to her child but she was wary.
“Knowing that Wesbank is not one of the safest townships, I was reluctant to stop and check on my baby,” she wrote.
Closer to the Engen M12 Motors filling station, she spotted a team of City of Cape Town law enforcement officers and decided to pull over in front of them.
Senior Inspector Deirdré Thomas immediately came to assist. Recognising the distress of both mother and child, she called her team to escort them. Thomas climbed into the back seat to comfort the baby, softly singing “Twinkle twinkle little star”.
The officers escorted Hali all the way home and only left once they were satisfied that the little one was safe and settled.
“Respect to you, Officer Deirdré Thomas,” Hali wrote in closing.
Response
The City of Cape Town responded to the post on Friday, paying tribute to Thomas.
“When a distressed mother stopped for assistance after her baby became inconsolable while travelling along Stellenbosch Arterial, Senior Inspector Thomas didn’t hesitate to help,” the City’s post read. “She comforted the child, rallied her team to assist, and ensured that both mother and baby arrived home safely.”
The City acknowledged that the intervention fell outside the scope of routine enforcement duty but said it reflected the values their officers strive to uphold daily: “Service, humanity and care for our communities.”
“Senior Inspector Thomas went beyond the call of duty and demonstrated that our officers are more than law enforcers – they are public servants, community partners and, in moments like these, true beacons of hope,” the post stated.
A chorus of recognition
The post drew an outpouring of responses, with some sharing their own experiences or simply expressing gratitude for the reminder that kindness still exists.
Brenda van Straten wrote: “I am so glad this story appeared on my feed this morning – it really touched my heart and reminded me of the many wonderful South Africans in this country who are determined to walk a path of love, compassion, kindness and generosity despite the craziness of this world around them.”
Danisa Hlalatu shared a personal connection: “I know the situation you were in – your mind being split in two while you are in an unsafe area. For me, I was around Elsies River having my baby screaming. It’s such an overwhelming experience.”
Megan Jacobs added: “Wonderful officer Deirdré – I remember you from 10 years ago when you assisted me as I was going into labour.”
Hali herself replied: “This woman is something else. I’m glad she’s out there on the road, saving the most vulnerable.”
Priscilla Fick summed up the mood: “Stories like this still spark hope for the human race.”
Xané Paolini echoed the sentiment: “Now this is a story I love waking up to. No hate, no violence – just pure respect, teamwork, and a reminder of how life can be when we work together.”
Lizi Vera MemHam shared her own late-night breakdown on Stellenbosch Arterial: “My car broke down right there under that bridge and it was just a split second before I realised there were blue lights all over – traffic officers, law enforcement – everyone wanted to make sure that I got help and that I was safe. City of Cape Town law enforcement guys? Trust them.”
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