KAROO NEWS - In a heartening display of community care, Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata and some of his members brought happiness to the children of a crèche in Bloemendal on Friday morning, 8 December. 

They brought not only festive hampers, but also the special presence of their K9 companion, Misty. 

This thoughtful initiative aimed to bring holiday cheer to the little ones, aged between 1 and 5 years, and to express their unwavering support to the crèche's dedicated founder, Ammarentia Nel, whose husband, Sgt Mario Nel, was killed by gunfire at Motherwell Court on 3 May.

With the nation observing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, this was an opportune time for the police to underscore their commitment to caring for the vulnerable.

The presence of Misty, the lovable police K9 search and rescue dog, added an extra layer of excitement for the children and helped to create a sense of trust between the youngest members of the community and the police. 

"This gesture not only spreads holiday joy but reinforces the message that the police are actively involved in nurturing a sense of security and care within the community, especially during these significant days of activism," said Col Priscilla Naidu, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Police.

"The visit symbolises our commitment to supporting and uplifting our community, particularly during times when we collectively strive to raise awareness against violence towards women and children," said Naidu. "Nel and the children at the crèche hold a special place in our hearts, and we want them to know that we are here for them, not just today, but every day. The children in this area are exposed to gun violence on a daily basis and many innocent ones are caught in the crossfire. We are here to enjoy some time with them and also to assure Nel that the police keeps its promise of ensuring the well-being of the families of our men and women in blue who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities."

Naidu says that the smiles and spontaneous laughter of the children illustrated the positive impact that such community engagement initiatives can have, strengthening the bond between the police and the communities they serve. The police donated teddy bears, non-perishable food items, cake and hampers to the children.

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