Melissa Schreiber was on the beach with her dog when she realised it was getting late and she needed to head home. She encountered two police officers and the meeting changed her outlook on cops.
Melissa Schreiber shared her encounter with two Durban cops after a day at the beach. She was at the beach with some friends and her Jack Russell, Lexi. The pair had been having a great day playing on the beach. As soon as it started getting late, Melissa and Lexi set off home to avoid any trouble.
Melissa was in a rush to get back to her car to avoid any dangerous situations when she had a sweet encounter with two cops patrolling the beach and nearby parking lot.
This is the story she sent us:
“After a busy day at work I decided to meet a friend at Surf Riders in Durban and then play fetch with my Jack Russell, Lexi on the beach before sunset. It was getting dark and realistically being a young petite girl alone in Durban at night it not such a good idea so I headed back to my car.”
“Near the car park I passed two police officers who very politely greeted me and asked the name of my dog. Astonished that they were so friendly I brought Lexi to them and started chatting. They are officer Denver and Makathini (mind my spelling). What wonderful people! Officer Denver proceeded to remove his hat as he bent down to stroke Lexi, he had the utmost respect and compassion for such a little creature like Lexi and told me about his dogs at home.”
“They asked me questions about my day, about my life and we had such a lovely, normal conversation as if we were friends! I did not feel threatened at all as a young woman interacting with two relatively tall and strong strange men.”
Her encounter should be considered the norm in South Africa but sadly it is often the exception. Nevertheless, Melissa continued with her story and added that it had given her hope about South Africa.
“How often are we as citizens of South Africa, blinded by the negative things we hear and experience that we forget that there is SO MUCH good and hope for our country. Here are two policemen patrolling the beachfront and interacting with the public with genuine interest and heart. I will be the first to raise my hand and say that my perception of our government and especially the police force is that they generally think they are above us, above the law, and have no time to have a friendly conversation with me asking something as simple as how my day went.”
“Upon saying goodbye, Officer Denver said, “If each of us could meet someone new every day, we are so blessed”. I couldn’t agree more. I left with a heart full of hope for OUR South Africa”
We love it, Melissa! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
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