Give credit where its due
Germiston SAPS Flying Squad Unit head Sgt Ronny Kgabo Ramara and his patrol team have been hailed as heroes for the good work they render to motorists stranded along the N3 and on other nearby back roads.
Motorists who have been stranded following a vehicle break down on the N3 freeway between Heidelberg and Germiston have heaped accolades on the Germiston Flying Squad.
Scores of grateful motorists have posted numerous letters on social media describing the unit as “guardian angels”.
Asked for comment, the dedicated Kathorus police sergeant and father of two smiled and brushed the compliments aside and attributed the team’s relationship with members of the public as part of their responsibility and training as a police officer.
Ramara told Kathorus MAIL that the team rescues on average about 25 stranded motorists on the N3 and on other isolated stretches of the freeway.
There is now a joke that some of the N3 motorists actually look forward to their vehicles breaking down on the N3 so they could experience Ramara’s courteous roadside assistance.
“I was driving with my 12-year-old son on our way home after dropping off my brother at his house in Kwa-Thema, in Springs. Suddenly, I noticed there was a strange sound coming from the rear of the vehicle,” recalled Thelma Seage.
“I was almost forced to spend the night on the side of the road in a deserted area with my terrified young daughter. Luckily the Flying Squad saved me.”
Liopelo Gwala, a senior IEC regional outreach electoral officer, wrote the following: “After a hectic day, dealing with all sorts of election enquiries, I found a few minutes before receiving the results to write this little note to thank you Ramara and your team, including Sgt Mokoena and Sgt Phidzaulima, for ensuring our safety whilst carrying out the electoral duties.”
Gwala thanked the team for “selflessly accompanying me from Germiston to the Alberton IEC office to deliver security material. I wish to thank you for the friendly service you offered, you made my trip safe and comfortable.”
When the double-cab Ford Ranger bakkie, belonging to the Raphela family of Naturena outside Soweto, was stolen outside the Edenvale Police Station it was the members of Ramara’s team who recovered the vehicle in Katlehong three days later.
Recovering the family bakkie not only led to another hearty pat-on-the-back and a heavy handshake for Ramara and members of his unit, Raphela has also become a friend of the policemen and their families.
“The Raphela family are now frequent visitors to our respective homes,” Ramara said with a chuckle.
“They pop-in from time to time and we reciprocate by also visiting them and spending quality time together,” explained a jubilant Ramara as he shared photos of the two families taken during a recent visit.
Ramara is not a newcomer to benevolent acts and community charity initiatives.
Among his many notable acts of charity, is a fund-raising gala event in honour of widows of police officers slain in the line of duty.
Ramara and his unit have been described as an “exemplary breath of fresh air” by motorists who said the unit has given them the confidence to feel safe again while travelling.
“I just wish that what Ramara and his team are doing could be spread across the country,” said sales marketer Andries Ackermann.
“We need more of such a team to patrol our roads and streets to fight crime and lawlessness in this country.”
