Fallen members of SAPS remembered at national prayer in Kempton Park

A national prayer for police safety was held to honour the lives of fallen officers who died both in the line of duty and while off duty.

The prayer day, which concluded Police Safety Month, took place on September 29 at the Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Kempton Park.

The national prayer day is observed across the nation, according to Brigadier Sthembiso Shobede-Nkosi, and each province is allowed to pray at the same time, in various locations, with the same prayer items.

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“The national prayer day is aimed at praying for the police safety, courage and discernment when on and off duty. It’s aimed at lifting their spirits and reassuring the support of the safety of all the police officials.

“The police are at the frontline of the fight against crime, so we wanted to get together and pray for the police, their families, and criminality in the nation,” said Shobede-Nkosi.

She said the prayer was arranged by the office of Spiritual Services Abaruti, which means pastors from different religions.

The pastors and bishops prayed for peace and harmony, the stigma against gender-based violence, the safety of officers and a healthy environment.

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A candle-lighting ceremony was also held, with 10 candles lit (nine candles for each province and one for the head office).

According to Shobede-Nkosi, the candles represented a prayer for God’s protection over SAPS officers risking their lives to serve and defend South African citizens.

“Even though police deaths happen without warning, officers need to remain cautious and implement the safety measures that have been put in place by the organisation,“ said Shobede-Nkosi.

Major General C Hendricks, deputy provincial commissioner and speaker at the event, said during the 2022/2023 financial year, the SAPS lost 34 members in the line of duty.

The fallen officers were honoured earlier in September during the national commemoration day, held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.

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“We have a wall of memory in the Union Buildings gardens where the names of the police officers we have lost both on and off duty are engraved. We remember the fallen each September.

“That day is set aside in honour of the families who have lost loved ones. We wish to stay in touch with the families and let them know that even if their loved ones have passed away, they are still part of the organisation,“ he added.

“I implore the public to continue to pray for the SAPS, especially over the holidays.”