Six members who lost their lives in the line of duty between April 01, 2020 and March 31, 2021 were honoured by SAPS Eastern Cape family in Bisho on Sunday, 05 September 2021. The Provincial Chairperson of Community Policing Forum board, Mr Velani Mbiza-Gola representing the community of the Eastern Cape.

The Provincial Commemoration Day was held in conjunction with the annual National event that took place in Pretoria and the Eastern Cape along with other Provinces observed the National event streamed live from Pretoria.

Speaking at the National Commemoration ceremony, President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa rendered his condolences to the families who lost their people and called upon members of the public to work with the police in the fight against crime and stop attacking the police.

The President further applauded the members of SAPS who continue to protect the people of the Republic of South Africa, putting their lives at risk despite the brutal killings of the police.

“Occasions like this are a stark reminder of the dangers that our men in blue face as they carry their duties in protecting the lives of our people… There is no greater sacrifice that one can do than putting their lives in risk for the safety and security of our people…We salute you”

Speaking during the Eastern Cape ceremony, Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zithulele Moses Dladla said, “We have come to this place for nothing else but to remember and to honour the children of our nation who fell along the way and in the line of duty…We have come to make a commitment that in the name of our fallen heroes, we will continue to serve the community with the same agility and dedication as they demonstrated during their life time.”

As part of the Eastern Cape programme, the Deputy National Commissioner together with the Acting Provincial Commissioner joined the families while they laid wreaths as a symbol of honouring the courage and dedication of officers who laid down their lives in execution of their constitutional mandate to protect all within South Africa’s borders.

The names of these fallen heroes and heroines will be engraved on the National Memorial Wall at the Union Buildings to signify the gratitude of the nation for their bravery, loyalty and sacrifices made to serve and protect the people of South Africa.

Source: South African Police Service