Sergeant Silindile Njilo. Picture: Supplied
In honour of Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is highlighting and celebrating women in blue who do not only bring inclusivity and empathy to the table, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect citizens.
Sergeant Silindile Njilo, a crime prevention member at the Ntuzuma police station, is one such member.
Sergeant Njilo and baby “Tholakele” captured the hearts and minds of the nation when a video clip of them trended on social media platforms earlier this year.
Loosely translated, the name Tholakele means “being found”; the real identity of the toddler is being withheld.
Little did Sergeant Njilo know how her day shift would unfold when she reported for duty on May 5 to find an abandoned baby girl at the Client Service Centre (CSC).
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the baby had been was brought to the police station during the previous shift by the owner of a local tavern after the biological mother had left the baby at his establishment.
“Wasting no time, Njilo went home to get a wash basin and returned to the police station where she bathed Tholakele, changed her into a new set of clothes and fed her while waiting for social work services to arrive. It was as if the baby instinctively realised that she was safe in the arms of Njilo and a bond immediately formed between them.
“Baby Tholakele, a name Njilo gave her, has since been placed at a place of safety. Njilo visits often and says she continues to love and care for Tholakela as if she is one of her own,” said Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk.
Sergeant Njilo, a devoted wife and mother of two, said her act of humility that day was merely a reflection of her humble upbringing as she knew how it felt to “come from nothing” as her mother single-handedly raised Sergeant Njilo and her siblings with no steady income.
“I will never forget my mother’s last words ‘be a light and take care of those who need help’,” said Sergeant Njilo.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk describes Sergeant Njilo as a good Samaritan, saying she often takes money from her own pocket to buy basic essentials and food to support poverty-stricken community members.
“Joining the service 14 years ago, was a dream come true for Njilo as she believes there is no greater calling than to be of service to her community. As a crime prevention member, her duties include dealing with general enquiries and complaints lodged by the public, attending to crime scenes, effecting arrests and detaining suspects as well as carrying out patrol duties,” said Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk.
Urging other members of the police force to perform good acts, Sergeant Njilo said: “I urge our community members to support and stand alongside members of the South African Police Service. Because, together we can achieve more towards a safer country for all,” said Sergeant Njilo.