Being a police officer is about more than fighting crime.
Often, SAPS members need to be compassionate and show they care about the community’s safety, even more so when the resident needing help is a senior citizen.
The Edenvale Police Station communication officer, Warrant Officer Mashile, said officers do routine crime prevention visits to old age homes and retirement villages to ensure the residents’ well-being.
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“This is part of promoting good relations by keeping in touch with the needs of communities.”
During one of Edenvale SAPS’ visits to Edenhaven Retirement Village on February 7, he said the Social Crime Prevention officers made their presence known.
Mashile said there are more than 80 residents at the home.
He said the police were asked to make regular visits.
“The police, together with stakeholders’ members, the Edenvale CPF, Ekurhuleni’s Department of Social Development and Night Guard Security agreed to and promised to assist,” said Mashile.
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He said the police station’s management thanked the members for checking on the senior citizens and expressed appreciation to the stakeholders.
“Protecting the vulnerable is not the responsibility of the police alone but also that of communities. If we act collectively, we will improve the lives of vulnerable people.”
