The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of its members across Gauteng.

He highlighted that the in-house Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) programme is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for officers and their families.

General Masemola’s comments come in the wake of a tragic Gauteng incident in which a SAPS constable held his family hostage following a family dispute.

The ordeal ended with the death of the constable and his nephew, while his 69-year-old mother was safely released through the intervention of SAPS special task force negotiators.

The National Commissioner emphasised that SAPS provides comprehensive mental health support through an integrated approach.

Services include counselling, trauma debriefing, and proactive programmes facilitated by psychology professionals, social workers, chaplains, and medical administration practitioners.

Among the initiatives highlighted are

• Choose Life programme – suicide prevention, stress management, and recognising warning signs.

• Depression and Bipolar awareness programmes – focusing on symptoms, recovery, and support strategies.

• Multiple Stressor workshops – addressing vicarious trauma and coping mechanisms for officers.

• Regular awareness campaigns during station lectures, parades, Mental Health Month, World AIDS Day, International Day for People with Disabilities, and the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

SAPS also partners with POLMED and GEMS to ensure members have access to external specialists for additional support.

“I encourage all our SAPS members across the country to prioritise their health and mental wellbeing by attending regular health screenings and debriefing sessions. Early detection and timely intervention are key to maintaining overall wellbeing, and as management, we are here to support you,” concluded General Masemola.