A video of police officers dancing at an African sporting event in Adelaide is being praised by community members as "beautiful" and "inspirational".
The footage shows two SA Police officers, including Senior Community Constable George Fomba joining in, much to the delight of the crowd at South Australia's African Nations Cup (AFCON) soccer carnival yesterday.
Accompanied by a thumping bass, a driving rhythm and some loud singing, the officers charmed, and were cheered on by, the gathering of people.
"This is so beautiful, inspirational and we can learn a lot about everything in this video," African Communities Council of South Australia, who shared the video, posted on Facebook.
"This is what AFCON is all about."
Constable Fomba, who moved to Australia from Liberia in 2004 and joined SAPOL as a liaison officer in 2016, said the dancing was in no way premeditated but something he was "lured into".
"It was just fun for myself, and more importantly, fun to put the smiles on [the faces of] the African community, the young people who were there and anyone else who is watching it on social media," he said.
"I am a community constable and one of the ways that we engage and bridge the gap with the African community is … show a police presence and get involved in what is happening.
"[We want to] make ourselves visible, connect with the young people, the young Africans, so that they feel more relaxed."
'You guys rock': Video prompts warm feedback
The video prompted expressions of praise on social media, with one person commenting that it was "so good to see community spirit is alive and well. Great work officers" and another stating simply that "you guys rock".
"The South Australia Police officers have got some moves. Well done," another said.
Community engagement has been a big focus for SAPOL, after well-publicised tensions were sparked by gang violence earlier this year.
Constable Fomba said many members of the African community had also come to Australia from countries with histories of community antagonism with police, creating adverse perceptions in Australian settings.
"We have to change that around, and in order to change that around we have come into this role to change the understanding, to create that link, and also serve as role models so that the young people can desire to be role models in our state," he said.
Constable Fomba praised his dancing partner for his "quick moves" and said the whole spontaneous episode was a small gesture that could carry great weight.
"Bridging that gap between SAPOL and the African community is rewarding, and … I'm happy," he said.
"I wouldn't have desired to do any job than this."
