THE Thabong Police Station’s management in Welkom has led by example in spreading the spirit of goodwill by donating shoes to 85 learners of primary schools in Thabong, Welkom.
Each learner received a brand-new pair of shoes. This was purchased with the R15 000 the station had received as prize money for being honoured as the best police station in South Africa.
The donation’s impact was visible on all the recipients’ faces. They were beaming with joy, as the warmth given by the shoes also brought relief in the freezing winter conditions.
A presentation function was held on Tuesday, 9 June, at the Thabong Police Station.
When presenting the shoes, Brig. Cois Muller, station commander of the Thabong Police Station, said the idea to purchase shoes for learners enduring a dire situation had been born from a spirit of goodwill which had to be shown by doing good for mankind.
“The spirit of goodwill can only be shown and preserved when people individually and positively use their head to think about doing good, their heart to feel for those less fortunate and their hands to reach out to help. This is very significant in building a society that cares,” said Muller.
“As members of the station, we decided to share the award’s prize money to purchase shoes for school children as our good deed.”
In line with promoting a spirit of goodwill, Muller challenged the learners to avoid the temptation of becoming involved in crime.
“There are challenges still facing us. These include the abuse of women and children, murder and robbery. We are doing our best to prevent, combat and investigate these cases.
“As children, do not get involved in gangs, the only route for gangs is jail.”
Serake Leeuw, chairperson of the Thabong Community Policing Forum, also addressed the learners. “We are building the future of our children through this effort. We are cultivating the next generation of well-mannered young men and women in you, our children,” said Leeuw.
The 85 beneficiary learners were of the following primary schools: Seabo, Embonisweni, Lehakwe, Tirisanang, Tsakani, Setshabelo and Thembekile