Meet the cop with a golden heart

If you ever wondered if there are any good cops out there … Colonel Bonny Molefi of the Randfontein Police is one of them.

When the 54-year-old Colonel Molefi joined the South African Police Service in 1991 he made a promise to himself not only to be an upstanding, honest and dedicated member of the law-enforcement fraternity, but a police officer striving to help others in need.

“When I grew up in a village in Mafikeng, North West, I saw how people were willing to help one another no matter the circumstances. There I was taught morals and humanitarian principles, and learned why it’s important for one to care deeply for your fellow men,” Colonel Molefi said.

He said as a police officer he understands how people suffer; therefore he helps wherever and when he can on the West Rand and beyond, even if it means paying from his own pocket from time to time.

“When you’re in the police you see and experience all kinds of things. As much as we need to be professional, some things still touch your heart because you’re human. In the same breath, you can’t let your emotions cloud your professional integrity, and you still have a duty to listen with reasoning and concentrate on facts.”

Some of the projects he is involved in don’t only involve giving money but handing out clothes, donating food items, and assisting senior citizens to get their IDs or to apply for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants.

Although Colonel Molefi is behind many of the interventions to help the needy, he said he shouldn’t be the only one getting the credit because there are other members at the Randfontein Police who also open their hearts.

“Most members show interest in being part of a charity project. The beneficiaries truly appreciate every little contribution.”

He said they have identified where help is needed during their visits to communities, and they cooperate with local councillors as well as other entities who assess where there is a need.

Speaking about the difference he has made, he said, “Well firstly: the community now sees us as cops in a slightly different light. It reinforces the fact police are human beings before they are police officers. No matter what little you have to offer, it can make a difference. What matters is the ability to help others because you don’t know what tomorrow has in store. It might be me or you sitting on the street corner,” Molefi added.