This Women's Month the SAPS paid tribute to Sergeant Silindile Njilo stationed at the Ntuzuma police station in KwaZulu-Natal for the care and support she continues to provide for an abandoned baby.
On May 5, 2024, Njilo reported for duty to find an abandoned baby girl at the Client Service Centre (CSC).
“The baby 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,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk.
Van Wyk said as the child’s identity has been withheld, the child was named “Tholakele” by Sergeant Njilo, which means being found.
She said Njilo wasted no time and quickly 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,” said Van Wyk.
According to Van Wyk, the child 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.”
Due to her actions, the SAPS has chosen Njilo as one of the women in blue to celebrate this Women's Month.
“This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by celebrating its 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 the people of South Africa.”
Njilo, who is a devoted wife and mother of two, said her act of humility that day was merely a reflection of her humble upbringing as she knows how it feels to “come from nothing”.
She said her mother single-handedly raised her and her siblings with no steady income.
Njilo said she would never forget her late mother's words: "Be a light and take care of those who need help".
In addition, Njilo said she often takes out money from her own pocket to buy basic essentials and food to support poverty-stricken community members.
She said joining the service 14 years ago was a dream come true because 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.
"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 Njilo.
Describing Njilo as nothing short of a heroine, Van Wyk said Sergeant Njilo continues to be a shining light in the community she serves.
The Mercury