Heartwarming Act: Durban officers buy school shoes, helping children return to class
Sergeant Malcolm Gonaseelan and Constable Branden Maharaj were on patrol when they came across a mother and her two children in tears, unable to attend school because they had no shoes.
Image: KZN VIP Security
IN a touching display of compassion, two officers from the Phoenix South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal turned a distressing situation into a joyful one for a local family.
Sergeant Malcolm Gonaseelan and Constable Branden Maharaj were on routine patrol when they encountered a mother and her two children in tears, unable to attend school due to a lack of proper footwear.
According to Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP, the incident began when the officers noticed a visibly upset woman walking away from a local school, accompanied by her young children.
Upon approaching the distressed family, the officers learned that the mother had been unable to admit her children to school on what was supposed to be their first day back because they did not have school shoes.
“The woman explained that she had no choice but to take her children home,” Naidoo said.
The sight of the children's disappointment tugged at the officers' heartstrings, prompting them to take immediate action.
"Without hesitation, the officers decided to purchase two new pairs of shoes, ensuring that the children would not miss out on their education," Naidoo added.
After acquiring the footwear, the officers accompanied the grateful family back to the school, where the children, both enrolled in Grade 2, were allowed to re-enter their classrooms and join their peers.
Naidoo remarked that this act of kindness exemplifies the spirit of community and highlights the significant impact that small acts of generosity and compassion can have on the lives of those in need.