Durban: The blood, sweat, and tears of the men and women in blue were honoured at the official National Police Day event. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu emphasized that National Police Day, held in Durban on Monday, 27 January, serves as a platform to acknowledge the sacrifices, courage, and unwavering dedication of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). “Today, we pause to reflect on your invaluable contributions, to honour your service and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and strengthening our police service,” Mchunu addressed the officers at the event.
According to South African Government News Agency, the theme for this year’s National Police Day was “Celebrating 30 Years of Policing in Democracy,” aligning with the commemoration of 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa. Mchunu highlighted the transformation journey towards a democratic South Africa, marked by significant shifts in creating a police service “for the people, by the people.” The event underscored SAPS’s critical role in strengthening democracy, protecting citizens, and ensuring safety and dignity for all South Africans.
Mchunu praised the officers, stating, “You are the shield between law-abiding citizens and those who wish to inflict harm upon them. You are the first line of defence in our fight against crime, corruption, and lawlessness.” He acknowledged the immense responsibility officers bear in ensuring peace, maintaining order, and delivering justice. The gathering at Kings Park Athletic Stadium symbolized a unified force standing against crime and injustice, with Mchunu expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the government and citizens.
Despite the challenges posed by crime, Mchunu assured that efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in law enforcement would continue. He stressed that policing is about service and building trust between officers and communities, aiming for every citizen to feel safe and protected. “Our strength lies in the bonds we forge with our communities,” Mchunu noted, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships and continuous investment in training and technology to enhance policing effectiveness.
The legacy of SAPS officers was also honoured, with the last annual Police Commemoration Day in September recognizing 39 officers who died in the line of duty. The South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET), established in 2010, continues to support the children of fallen officers, assisting 1,631 children to date, with over R17 million raised for this cause. Additionally, operational members’ danger allowance was increased from R400 to R700 as of April 2022, reflecting ongoing efforts to support SAPS personnel.