Our local men and women in blue went above and beyond to bring Christmas cheer to a young child who had an awful experience with a far-from-friendly Santa Claus. After a video of the incident went viral, the SAPS organised a special visit to the child’s home, with one officer dressed as the “lovable bearded man in red” to bring not just treats but also restore his hope in the endearing magic Santa offers.
Gonubie, South Africa (02 January 2025) – Despite the politics and drama, South Africa is truly an amazing country with remarkable people. And if you need a little convincing of this truth, we have the story of a heartwarming moment when kind police officers traded their blue uniforms and law enforcement gear for Christmas attire and goodies (on one of the busiest days of the festive season) to surprise a little child who recently had a rather heartbreaking encounter with Santa Claus.
After a video that went viral of a four-year-old who Santa Claus unfairly treated in East London, the South African Police Service (SAPS) decided to organise a very special moment for him and his peers in the Gonubie community.
On Tuesday, the 31st of December, a group of SAPS members, accompanied by external stakeholders including Buffalo City District Commissioner Major General Christopher Wright and Member of Parliament Helen May, visited the home of a young child in Gonubie, East London. To bring some Christmas cheer, one of the police officers even donned a Santa Claus costume to make the surprise visit all the more special.
“The excitement was written all over his face as they approached his home, and he came out running and was cuddled by Santa Claus.
“It was a joyful day for him and his sister, and gifts were given to them by Santa Claus, and they were excited,” SAPS said in a statement.
An overflow of kindness was undoubtedly the order of the last day of 2024 as the team also extended their hands to disadvantaged children around A Section, Mzamomhle Township, Gonubie, where they distributed food and clothes which were received with much appreciation.
“The community members and kids were very appreciative of the gesture by the team. It was a memorable last day of 2024 for the parents and children of the Gonubie area,” SAPS added.
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