The SAPS held its annual National Commemoration Day on September 5 to honour and pay tribute to police officers and reservists who died while on duty from April 2020 to March 31.
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.
During the proceedings, the names of the 34 police officers who died 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.
In line with Covid-19 level three lockdown regulations, some families of the deceased members were present at the Union Buildings while other families joined the proceedings virtually from other provinces hosted by the provincial commissioners and members of the provincial executive councils.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who also attended the ceremony, 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 and police relations and bring strategic stakeholders on board to bolster the efforts of the police to bring down levels of serious and violent crimes,” said 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 get into the habit of reporting crime and making our voices heard. The perpetrators of these attacks on the police must be brought to book,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the commemoration, the president together with the minister of police, Bheki Cele, national commissioner of the SAPS Khehla Sitole and the deceased’s family members laid wreaths in honour of their loved ones.
Cele also paid tribute to the 34 men and women in blue. He also remembered those members who have succumbed to Covid-19.
“The deaths of these 34 members should not be in vain. Their loss should remind us all as a nation of 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 Cele.
The SAPS’ Employee Health and Wellness Component continues to render psychological and spiritual support to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased members.
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