EMPD spreads love on 20-year anniversary

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Atlegang Makgoba

The EMPD celebrated its 20-year anniversary by giving hope and inspiring dreams among 20 young children living with life-threatening illnesses.
The celebrations were held at Emperors Palace on March 14 where EMPD members showed selfless service to their VVIPs who were escorted by police vehicles and motorcycles from their place of residence in Randburg, all the way to the Aerotropolis city.
“It was an exciting experience for me and the children. We felt honoured from the moment we left the house. We never thought we could be such special people to the EMPD,” said the matron of Marang House, Salome Parkies.
The chief of police, Isaac Jabulani Mapiyeye, said the initiative of making a dream come true for the children was an emotional and thought-provoking experience for the department.
“It is our intention today to show a different side of law enforcement and an EMPD that cares,” said Mapiyeye
Tayyibah Chand, the mother of six-year-old Naasir who was diagnosed with liver cancer when he was six months old, was also present during the day's activities.
She related her gratitude to have her son as a beacon of hope for all the other children as he is now five years in remission.
“This experience will forever live in their hearts and we are very grateful to EMPD and Reach For A Dream Foundation for showing such encouragement and compassion towards our children,” said Tayyibah.
The children from Marang House of the terminally ill, now referred to as honourary constables of the EMPD, were given the opportunity to be cops for the day and partake in police activities.
The law enforcement department in partnership with Emperors Palace and Reach for A Dream Foundation came together to showcase the possibilities of dreaming big by displaying their special public order vehicles and allowing the children to interact with the Equestrian and K-9 units.
Led by inspector Attie Fourie, EMPD's Specialised Services K-9 Unit, and Lt-Col Ronald Botha of the Equestrian Unit, the children witnessed first-hand what detection and protection dogs can do.
The children were also given the opportunity to pet the big horses and feed them carrots, though some of them were scared to feel the horse’s mouth on their palms.
“Throughout our lives, from childhood to adulthood, the community is an essential part of our everyday existence even though we don’t really see or fully understand its impact. It is the small things that can make the biggest difference,” said MMC for Community Safety, Tlhogi Moseki.