CAPE TOWN. – Four Cape Town Law Enforcement officers have been recognised for going beyond the call of duty to assist infants while on patrol, including one officer who guided a first-time mother through the birth of her baby boy.
Read more: City of Cape Town long service medals honour 112 enforcement staff
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said the officers were acknowledged this week by his Directorate.
“This week we paused to acknowledge four Law Enforcement officers who went beyond the call of duty to assist infants during their patrols,” said Smith.
“During a surprise appreciation hosted by my office, the teams from Delft and Manenberg shared their experiences and were treated to a visit by one of the babies they had assisted.”
Baby taken into care in Delft South
On 19 July shortly after 11pm, officers Davedene Pieterse and Thallin Prinsloo were on patrol in Delft South when they noticed an inebriated man walking with a three-month old baby. The child was inadequately dressed and was not covered with a blanket despite the cold conditions.
They questioned the male and noticed he appeared to be heavily under the influence of alcohol and was not in a fit state of mind to care for the child. Concerned for the child’s well-being they took the baby into their care and transported both the infant and the father to the police station.
This incident has subsequently been reported to the Department of Social Development.
“By safeguarding the infant, officers Pieterse and Prinsloo ensured that she was removed from a potentially dangerous outcome as who knows what might have happened had they not interceded,” Smith said.
Cape Town Law Enforcement officer helps deliver baby boy
A week later, on 27 July, officers Yonela Sishuba and Zibula Sitemele of the LEAP reaction unit came to the rescue of first-time mom, Kaylee Luyt, who had gone into labour.
The officers were stopped by a relative shortly before midnight, who indicated that she had gone into labour and they were waiting for paramedics to arrive.
As the baby had already started crowning, Officer Sitemele, who previously had basic life support training, jumped into action and guided Kaylee through the birth with the assistance of EMS control. She delivered a healthy baby boy, weighing at 2,8kg.
Little Mahier Luyt’s parents, Kaylee Luyt and Yazeer Losper, brought him to the Alderman’s office to express their gratitude to officer Sitemele.
Smith praises a lighter touch in enforcement
“These incidents highlight the many layers that come with wearing the uniform. Yes, the enforcement environment is a harsh one, but very often, a lighter touch makes a world of difference,” Smith said.
“These officers are true ambassadors and we thank them for so proudly representing our Directorate.”
* Press release.
