Police go extra mile for gogo

TWO police officials attached to the Leboeng police station in Burgersfort emerged as good Samaritans when they went on a mission to assist a needy elderly woman recently.

Leboeng police spokesperson, Const Maimela Sibatana, told CV that during a routine patrol, the two dedicated constables, Ando Maake and Sello Shai, received information that Semaname Ellah Makhubedu (61), was living alone and had no food and no one caring for her.

“On arriving at the woman’s house, the officials introduced themselves to her. During their conversation with Makhubedu, the officers were told that she was not receiving an old age grant, so they took her to Leboeng’s South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices to receive some assistance,” Sibatana said.

He added that the police officials asked the Sassa officials to process her grant as they had realised Makhubedu was above the age of 60.

“We can confirm that Makhubedu will be receiving her grant in the coming months.

We hope this will help her to take care of herself,” Sibatana said.

He said his station always worked hard to help the locals.

“The elderly lady responded with a smile and she thanked the police officials for visiting her, because if it were not for them she would not know if she qualified for the grant – she can’t read and write.”

The Leboeng police advised the community not to leave elderly people without supervision, as they became victims of crime, especially on pension payout days.

“We encourage people to report any form of abuse against the elderly to us,” Sibatana concluded.