The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, has visited Tonga Cluster to connect with the destitute, needy and crime victims by donating food hampers to affected families so they too can enjoy the festive season.
Lt Gen Zuma in collaboration with the traditional leadership under the concept of Traditional Precinct Policing, spared a thought for the said needy families and came up with an effort to turn the tide against their poor living conditions and offer them something that would ignite hope in their lives especially during these demanding times of the festive season.
Zuma touched base with the rural community of Ka-Hhoyi to donate food parcels and blankets to 122 families in the area which is under the leadership of Inkhosi Sandile Ngomane, the chairpeson of the House of Traditional Leaders. They were also joined by Prince John Mahlalela of Mlambo Tribal Authority.
Amongst those that received the gifts, were child-headed families as well as destitute families, Gen Zuma further made a plea to the Cluster Commander of Tonga, Maj Gen Dorah Xaba, to link them with the department of Social Development so that they can receive necessary help.
Lt Gen Zuma addressed the attendees of the event and indicated that he is concerned about the problem caused by the trade as well as irresponsible consumption of alcohol because it has dire consequences in the society.
He further highlighted the call he made during the introduction of Safer Festive Season Operation in Mpumalanga, an event which was held at Emalahleni, that there is a need for reservists to be recruited from the traditional leadership.
Lt Gen Zuma also said that the partnership between police and traditional authorities is so strong and with that, crime can be dealt with easily because criminals live in families that are based in communities, of which the Amakhosi are rulers.
Prince Mahlalela thanked the police for caring and thinking about the destitute families during these times.
The attendees were entertained by Selby Music Group and Tinyosi ta Chief Mlambo, a traditional dancing group.
Inkhosi Ngomane further highlighted the crucial role played by police in taking care of the needy so as to prevent a situation wherein children from child-headed families are recruited to commit crime because they have no food.
He also indicated that he is delighted with the leadership of police in the province as they embraced the concept of Traditional Policing which the National Commissioner, Gen Khehla Sitole, highly endorsed.
Inkhosi Ngomane applauded the SAPS in the province for taking a step further by substantiating their words with deeds like the current event where police went beyond their call of duty to address some of the social inequalities in our society to prevent crime.
The event ended on a high note whereby all 122 families received food parcels and blankets from Gen Zuma as well as Inkhosi Ngomane and Prince Mahlalela.
