Madikwe: The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Madikwe, through its Men for Change and Women’s Network structures, held a Mandela Day outreach on Friday, 25 July 2025, at Uitkyk Village and at the local police station. The initiative, originally planned for 18 July, was postponed due to the funeral of a young boy from the Molefe family, following an inquest opened under Madikwe SAPS.

According to South African Police Service, as part of the 67-minute Mandela Day project, members cleaned the station’s toilets and kitchen and also extended their efforts to assist the Molefe family, who were identified as vulnerable during the inquest. The family, particularly the mother, Ms Mmamiki Elisa Molefe-who is unemployed and ill-is left with five surviving children.

SAPS members collected clothes and essential goods to donate to the family. However, during preparations to deliver these items, it was discovered that the family was struggling to make burial arrangements for the deceased child due to the absence of official documents. The child did not have a birth certificate, and the mother had lost her identity document, preventing the issuance of a death certificate.

The SAPS team took immediate action and accompanied the family to the Department of Home Affairs, where the mother obtained a temporary ID and the child was issued a birth certificate. A death certificate was subsequently processed, all made possible through member donations.

Further assistance came from Mr. Gentle Maxopane of Pyramid Funeral Parlor, who volunteered to handle the funeral arrangements after seeing the family’s dire circumstances.

On Friday, 25 July 2025, the SAPS team attended the funeral and handed over the donations of clothing and groceries. Upon arrival, it was discovered that there was no Reverend to officiate the service. Sergeant Makgotlho, a member of the Men for Change structure and a qualified pastor, stepped in to conduct the burial service with dignity and compassion.

The handover of donations followed the funeral, and the family expressed heartfelt gratitude to Madikwe SAPS for their timely and impactful intervention.