Salt Rock’s granny cop is on a mission at Umhlali SAPS

Salt Rock resident Marcelle Jacobs has always wanted to be on the front-line in law enforcement.

While this was out of her reach in her youth, the senior citizen is spending her golden years living out her dream by volunteering at Umhlali SAPS.

Jacobs moved to the area three years ago while signing up for duty a year later and, according to the policemen and women at the station, has become an invaluable asset they would not easily part with.

Police work was not unfamiliar to Jacobs as her own brothers and ex-husband are cops. She herself studied law so she says she feels right at home at the police station where she visits almost every day.

The sprightly lady in her 70’s has since found her calling helping with the station’s outreach and trauma counselling programmes.

The programmes are run by Umhlali SAPS captain Vinny Pillay who together with Jacobs and other volunteers, visit underprivileged schools and homes on the North Coast, taking with them food hampers, toys, and clothes which are generally donated from the community. They also provide counselling to victims of abuse or trauma.

Jacob’s work with the cops was what inspired her to start her own non-profit organisation, Helping Hands, where she collects and distributes food and clothing to those who need it most.
She said she has come to realise that her calling was to help build communities through love and kindness.

“When I joined SAPS and started going out to areas like Upper Tongaat where people live in absolute poverty I realised I had to do more to help. I have seen children walk 10 kilometres to school and back home every day, surviving on an empty stomach. You give a loaf of bread to a mother and she looks at you with tears in her eyes which is simply heartbreaking.”

Also read: Mending hearts at Umhlali SAPS trauma centre

Jacobs said it was easy to take things for granted when you do not see for yourself how little some people have.

“There are people who do not have electricity, water or food but who have love and gratitude in their hearts and this opens your eyes to see the world differently.”

When donations are low, the generous lady uses her own resources to help where she can.

“I know that I am living out my life’s purpose and more people need to realise that life is not about just taking or being entitled to receive, but it is about giving and helping those around you. That is how you grow a community.”

Those interested in volunteering or donating can contact Marcelle Jacobs at 060 906 7564.

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