KwaZulu-Natal police are going viral after arranging groceries and clothes for a teen.
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa (06 June 2022) – Police in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed that the story going viral on social media of “police officers donating groceries to a young boy who was caught stealing” is not true, but the real story behind the photos show a kindness that is just as important to share!
Neriah JR – a South African Twitter account – “broke” the fake news on Sunday, posting the four photos with a caption explaining that SAPS had caught a young man stealing but decided to help him instead.
“Durban SAPS caught a boy stealing & they ask him why, he said he’s living alone with koko in unbearable situation with no food neither a roof to sleep, instead of arresting the boy Police went to see where he stay & they couldn’t helpselves but bringing them something to eat.”
A similar tweet has been posted before, in fact, loads of times since 2019.
The tweets have had thousands of shares and even started trending on Facebook. But the SAPS released a statement explaining the real story which is just as tragic but inspirational with the kindness shown by the SAPS.
Photo Cred: SAPS
Photo Cred: SAPS
Photo Cred: SAPS
The child in question is actually a young lady, and she approached the police for help after a fight with her mom.
“On October 23 this year, a 13-year-old girl arrived at the Durban railway station and requested assistance from police officers. She informed police officers that she was chased away from home by her mother after an altercation in regard to clothes that she wanted.
Police then took the child to her mother in Dassenhoek. When they interviewed the mother, the mother confirmed the story. The police then took the child to a granny in Umbumbulu,” explained Kwazulu-Natal police spokesperson Brig Jay Naicker.
The officers were heartbroken by what they found and decided to step in to assist.
“When they arrived in Umbumbulu they found that the granny was living in extreme poverty and the house was not in a very good condition. First, they arranged for clothing for the child, as she did not have clothes. They then arranged for groceries for the child and grandmother.
They also contacted the local councillor, who promised them they would build a new house for the grandmother. They also arranged with the municipality for electricity for the grandmother’s house,” said Naicker.
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