There are moments of integrity, professionalism, and genuine care that must also be acknowledged. This is one of them, says the writer.
Image: Meta AI
I am writing this with intention, to recognise an act of service that deserves to be seen and remembered. Conversations about the police often focus on what is lacking, and while those concerns are valid, they are not the full story.
There are moments of integrity, professionalism, and genuine care that must also be acknowledged. This is one of them.
On the afternoon of April 28, while driving home from the Articulate Africa launch in Cato Manor, my journey was suddenly interrupted. Without warning, my front driver’s side tyre burst and tore apart completely. The force jolted the vehicle in a way that could easily have led to something far worse. In that instant, instinct took over. I steadied the steering and managed to bring the car to a stop along a stretch of road where I could pull over. That area is known to be unsafe, and sitting there alone brought a sharp awareness of how exposed I was.
It was not only the inconvenience of a damaged tyre, but the reality of where I was. I made several calls in search of help, yet nothing came through. My insurance broker attempted to arrange roadside assistance, but the delay stretched on, making each passing minute feel heavier. I reached out to a fellow writer who was still at the event, and without hesitation, he offered to come. That reassurance helped, yet I remained alone, waiting, and aware of my surroundings.
Then everything changed. A police vehicle arrived. Three officers stepped out: Sergeant Mtshali, Sergeant Mdladla, and Constable Gigaba.
What I later learned made their presence even more meaningful. They had seen my car from another road while traveling along a one-way route. Instead of continuing, they chose to act. They drove a considerable distance and took the first available turn to reach me, fully aware of the risks associated with that area. That decision reflected attentiveness, responsibility, and a willingness to go beyond what is required.
From the moment they approached, there was a calm assurance in how they carried themselves. They assessed the situation quickly and clearly. There was no delay, no uncertainty, only a composed and capable response. Their efficiency was evident, but what stood out even more was their presence. In that moment, I felt safe.
Working alongside the fellow writer who had come to assist me, the tyre was changed with focus and coordination. What could have been a stressful ordeal was handled with ease and competence. Every action was purposeful; every step aligned with resolving the situation safely. Yet what defined them most was what followed. They did not leave once the tyre was replaced. They remained with me, ensuring everything was in order before I continued my journey. They stayed until they were satisfied that I could proceed safely.
That choice left an impression. It spoke of care that goes beyond duty, of responsibility not just to a task, but to a person. This is the side of policing we do not speak about enough. It is easy to highlight failure and allow it to shape perception. However, when officers take initiative, respond with competence, and act with genuine concern, that too must be acknowledged.
Their names deserve to be recognised. Sergeant Mtshali.Sergeant Mdladla.Constable Gigaba.
I mention them with intention because acknowledgment matters. If we only speak about what is broken, we fail to strengthen what is working. I regret not taking a photograph with them. In that moment, my focus was on getting home safely. Yet this written account carries its own meaning.I hope that these officers read this. Not for praise, but for appreciation. I want them to know that what they did mattered. Their presence changed the experience entirely. I am deeply grateful for them and to them.
As I continued my journey home, I reflected on the event I had just attended. Articulate Africa brought together people from diverse backgrounds in a shared space of expression and connection. It spoke of unity and possibility. What unfolded afterward felt like a continuation of that message. On that road, I witnessed people choosing to act with responsibility and care. It reminded me that beyond the noise, there are still individuals who embody the values we hope to see more of.
This experience restored something within me. Not only confidence in the police, but also a renewed belief in the people who shape this country. It affirmed that integrity still exists and that humanity continues to show itself in unexpected moments. This is not simply a story about a tyre that burst on a dangerous road. It is a recognition of three officers who chose to act with purpose. It is gratitude, expressed. And it is a reminder that even in uncertain situations, there are those who step forward and make a difference.
Gaishrie Sharon Singh
Durban
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.