Police Minister Senzo Mchunu arrived at Kings Park Athletics Stadium today, joined by national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola and top management to commemorate National Police Day. Thousands of men and women in blue from across the country participated in the celebration.

According to Berea Mail, the event began with members marching into the stadium, braving the heat as they stood proudly to honour the day.

National Police Day commemorates the sacrifices made by the men and women in blue, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents in South Africa. The day is celebrated annually to recognise the valuable services rendered by various policing agencies.

In his speech, the minister acknowledged that crime remains one of the greatest challenges facing communities. However, he assured the nation that SAPS is resolute in the fight against crime.

“It is a profound honour to commemorate the 20th National Police Day and celebrate 30 years of policing in our democracy. This day is not just a moment of recognition, but also a testament to the sacrifices, courage, and unwavering dedication of the men and women of the South African Police Service. Today, we pause to reflect on your invaluable contributions, to honour your service, and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting and strengthening our police service,” shared Mchunu.

He added: “We will not falter in our duty to dismantle criminal networks, to root out corruption, and to restore public confidence in law enforcement. We recognise that policing is not just about enforcement; it is about service. It is about building trust between officers and communities, ensuring that every citizen — regardless of where they live — feels safe, protected, and heard. Let me assure you that our government is steadfast in its commitment to providing you with the necessary resources, training, and support to enable you to execute your duties effectively.”

He concluded by thanking SAPS members for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to making South Africa a safer place.