In a display of courage and quick thinking, a team of Hanover police officials rescued a two-month-old baby from a blazing shack while being attacked by the child’s father.
IN A DISPLAY of courage and quick thinking, a team of Hanover police officers rescued a two-month-old baby from a blazing shack.
The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga, lauded the “brave team” for their “swift and decisive action” on March 23 that ensured the safety of an innocent life amidst the flames.
According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, the baby’s mother alerted the police that her boyfriend had taken their child from her by force. He then locked himself and the baby in his shack, issuing threats that he would set the shack on fire.
Sergeants Mthetheleli Mthambeki and Khanyisa Khalashe, along with constables Andile Jara and Andre Coetzee, who were on the scene, attempted to persuade the suspect to let the baby go. Their negotiation efforts continued until they noticed smoke coming from the shack.
The police officers managed to break into the shack, even as the suspect lunged at them with a sharp implement. Fortunately, the officers were able to ward off the attack.
The baby was removed to safety by the police, who also arrested the suspect and charged him with attempted murder.
The suspect was expected to appear in the Hanover Magistrate’s Court.
Sam said that the police were “investigating the motive behind the incident and will remain relentless in ensuring that justice is served for victims of GBVF (gender-based violence and femicide)”.
The police have also encouraged the public to rate their efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “Rate Our Service” online survey to assist the police in improving services.
