SAPS honours slain police officers

By: Simon Majadibodu

President Cyril Ramaphosa leads the SAPS Annual Commemoration Day in Union Buildings, Pretoria. Photo: SAPS / Facebook

 

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 April 01, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

Every year on the first Sunday of September, the SAPS dedicates the 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.

The proceedings were officiated by the President Cyril Ramaphosa, on September 01 in Pretoria.

The names of 34 slain police officers 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.

The names of slain police officers died in line of duty have have been engraved on the Memorial Wall at the Union Buildings. Photo: SAPS / Facebook

As part of the procession, Ramaphosa together with the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, and the family members of the fallen heroes and heroines, laid wreaths in honour of the deceased members.

Family members of the police officer who died in line of duty lay a wreaths to pay their last respects to the deceased. Photo: SAPS / Facebook
 

During his address Ramaphosa said the attacks on police officers must come to an end and that there must be justice for the families of the fallen heroes and heroines.

“The hard work of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, known as the Hawks, has resulted in the arrest of 76 suspected police murderers over the past year. These cases are currently before different courts, “ said Ramaphosa.

A family member of a slain police officer accompanied by SAPS members to lay a wreath. Photo: SAPS / Facebook

He continued, “A total of 488 suspects have been arrested for the deaths of police officers since 2018. Through diligent investigative work, nine convicted police killers were handed down nine life sentences, a sum total of 158 years imprisonment.”

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.

South African Police Service trainees attends the SAPS Annual Commemoration Day. Photo: SAPS / Facebook

Ramaphosa engaged with the bereaved families where he shared words of comfort and support to each family member. He also addressed the cohort of police trainees who are currently undergoing training at the SAPS Tshwane Academy.