Claire Gillespie and her family ended off their family holiday with a bit of a downer, but their faith was restored by two incredible SAPS officers.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (05 January 2022) – Claire Gillespie, her husband, son, and parents were driving in convoy after a wonderful family holiday when they got separated. Her parents were robbed while stuck in traffic, and then 10km outside of Qumbu, Eastern Cape, two officers restored their faith in humanity.
Claire shared that they had been warned about the syndicate that was targeting bakkies and cars along their route, but they had hoped driving in convoy would deter the criminals. Unfortunately, traffic meant their convoy got separated, and just as they had feared, her parents’ bakkie was targeted.
They were gutted by the news of the robbery, but what happened after they reunited turned the bad ending of their trip into one of hope and restored faith. Claire reached out to Good Things Guy to share the story and praise the officers who helped her family.
“We were driving home after a lovely road trip through the Karoo, culminating with 4 nights with my parents at Wavecrest in the Eastern Cape. We were very warned of guys breaking into canopies and trailers in the Mthata region, so took care to drive in convoy and be aware.
We didn’t think Qumbu was such a risk, and our convoy got split just before we entered the town. As we were stuck in jam-packed traffic I got the dreaded phone call from my mom – “We have been robbed. Traffic was at a standstill and guys jumped on the back, ripped open the canopy, and they had a knife. They cut the rope and we aren’t sure what they took. We are getting to a safe stop and will meet you there”. My heart stopped. We were in the same stand still traffic and we quickly hid everything and I subconsciously held on to my infant son by the ankle.”
Thankfully, Claire and her husband got through the town without incident and found her parents about 10km outside of town, waiting on the roadside. Two couples from Joburg had stopped to assist them, and once Claire had arrived, they left to continue their own journeys home.
Once they checked the back of the bakkie, it became clear that a bag containing Claire’s husband and son’s clothing had been taken, along with a fishing rod.
Feeling exposed standing on the roadside, the family felt increasingly nervous as an unmarked car flashing blue lights pulled over to speak to the family. The men inside the vehicle claimed to be police officers, so to be sure, Caire asked to see some identification.
The officers obliged, seeing how nervous the family was. Constable Nyosi and Constable Mapelana went on to explain that they had been in the area and saw the robbery take place. Being in the right place at the right time, the officers apprehended one of the suspects and were able to recover the stolen bag.
The officers then searched for the bakkie that had been robbed. While the one drove, the other looked through the bag for some form of identification. Unsuccessful, they drove out of town and found the family 10km away.
“We couldn’t actually believe it. What could have left a very sour note at the end of our beautiful 3 week road trip, instead renewed our faith in South Africa and the fact that there are good honourable people who are fighting for good.
They drove for at least 10km to return our bag, and took the time to check if we had lost anything else.
I hugged the one officer, I am sure embarrassing him. I am certain they had hero capes under their civilian clothes.
What a good end to a bad experience.” Claire Gillespie
These two officers have restored the family’s faith in South Africa after a fleeting moment of doubt. We love sharing stories like this. Did you have a positive experience with a SAPS officer this holiday season? Be sure to share your story with us.
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