The South African Police Service (SAPS) held its Annual National Commemoration Day to honour and pay tribute to police officers and reservists who lost their lives in the line of duty from 01 April 2020 to 31 March 2021.

Annually on the first Sunday of September, the SAPS dedicates this day in its calendar, to remember  its men and women in blue who paid the ultimate price to serve and protect all people living in South Africa.

Today’s proceedings were officiated by the President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), His Excellency, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa.

This year, thirty-four police officers names were added and engraved to the National Memorial Wall at the Union Buildings, to signify the gratitude of the nation for their bravery and loyalty to serve and protect all communities within South African borders.

These were members who knew the risks and dangers associated to this vocation, yet they remained committed to the cause of serving and protecting all people within South African borders.

In line with COVID-19 level 3 lockdown regulations, some families of the deceased members were present at the Union Buildings. The rest of the families, joined the proceedings virtually from other provinces hosted by the Provincial Commissioners and Members of the Provincial Executive Councils.

On behalf of government and the people of our country, President Ramaphosa called for visible and tangible working relations between the police and communities.

“Criminals live with us and among us in our communities. We must therefore work towards strengthening community a police relations and bring strategic stakeholders on board to bolster the efforts old police to bring down levels of serious and violent crime”, said President Ramaphosa.

The President also urged the public to report wrongdoing and criminality within communities.

“I believe that the arrest of one hardened criminal, or even the recovery of one illegal firearm could spare the life of one police officer. Let us civilians therefore get into the habit of reporting crime and making our voices heard. The perpetrators of these attacks on police must be brought to book”.

As part of the Commemoration day activities, the President together with the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole and the next of kin of the fallen heroes and heroines, laid wreaths in honour of the deceased members.

The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele also paid tribute to the 34 men and women in blue.  In the same breath, the Minister also remembered those members who have succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The deaths of these 34 members should not be in vain.

Their loss should remind us all as a nation; the importance of community policing partnerships.

Citizens must no longer be bystanders. Allow me to also extend this remembrance to the families and colleagues of the 852 members who have succumbed to COVID 19 related complications; since the outbreak of the pandemic last year”, said Minister Cele.

In attendance was also the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale,  the Chairperson of the South African Police Education Trust Fund (SAPSET) Father Simangaliso Mkhatshwa and management of the Ministry of Police.

Through the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Component (EHW) the organisation continues to render psychological and spiritual support to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased members.

The proceedings of the day culminated with the President engaging with the bereaved families where he shared words of comfort and support to each family member.

Source: South African Police Service