I knew that I had to save the children as I am a parent too. I wouldn’t wish anything bad to happen to my children. At that moment, I was not acting as an officer but as a parent.
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 February 2022) – Several colleagues of “Joburg’s Finest Cop” packed the Public Safety boardroom in Martindale after hearing about his courageous act recently.
Acting Sergeant Tebogo Mailula was there to receive a certificate of valour from the MMC for Public Safety, Cllr David Tembe, and the JMPD Chief of Police Angela Mokasi.
The Sergeant, who is honoured as “Joburg’s finest cop”, didn’t only receive the certificate but also took home gifts from the public safety department, including a swanky watch emblazoned with the JMPD logo.
Mailula is hailed as a hero after going beyond the call of duty when he rescued two young girls (aged 2 and 5) who were trapped on a ledge after climbing out of a window on the third floor of a Johannesburg building last week Saturday.
The girls were at risk of falling from the third floor when the officer spotted them while on a routine patrol in the inner city.
Officer Mailula acted swiftly by proceeding into the building, where he tried to open the door and window on the third floor but found it locked. He secured the keys to other floors from the building caretaker and climbed to reach the little girls, bringing them to safety. He was assisted by his colleagues and a member of the public who climbed a streetlight pole.
“I knew that I had to save the children as I am a parent too. I wouldn’t wish anything bad to happen to my children. At that moment, I was not acting as an officer but as a parent,” Mailula explains.
He thanks his colleagues for their support during the incident and for honouring him with a certificate of valour.
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MMC Tembe says brave officers like Sergeant Mailula should be recognised for the incredible work they do for the public while they are still alive.
“I commend Officer Mailula and his colleagues for their swift action and bravery, for doing everything in their power, even at their own risk to ensure the little girls are safe,” says Tembe, adding Sergeant Mailula’s efforts give hope to the community of Johannesburg.
The MMC appeals to parents not to leave children unsupervised, as this might end in tragedy.
“I urge all officers to always be alert and do everything possible to ensure there’s law and order in the City.”
Mokasi has also appreciated the dedication of Officer Mailula. She says his efforts are indicative of someone who upholds his “oath of office.”
Before joining the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department in 2014, Sergeant Mailula worked as an EPWP official. He’s been an acting sergeant for the past three years.
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