Fallen cops remembered on National Commemoration Day

Fallen police officers and reservists were remembered during an emotional wreath-laying ceremony hosted by the national police at the Union Buildings at the weekend.

The ceremony paid homage to the 27 police service members who died in the line of duty between 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.

In his welcome address to family and friends, police minister Bheki Cele commended the fallen men and women in blue for their bravery and dedication.

“The brave men and women whom we are commemorating today were the calibre of people who served and protected all the people of this country without fear or favour.

“The selfless patriotism these fallen heroes and heroines displayed can never be overemphasized,” he said.

On the eve of the annual commemoration at the funeral of an officer, Cele urged police officers to use their “tools of trade” when they were under fire from criminals.

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“When you’re under fire from criminals, you must know the law is on your side for you to use your tools of trade.”

He also cautioned officers to act within the law.

“Make sure you act within the law but always remember to defend and serve,” Cele added.

Deputy president David Mabuza saluted the families saying “your loss is our loss, your pain is our pain, your grief is a grief shared by all South Africans”.

“We say this as a recognition that police officers are as rare and steadfast patriots who place their lives, on a daily basis, on the line for the cause of keeping us all safe and protected,” he added.

Mabuza further reassured them that the deaths of their loved ones – whose names were engraved at the memorial site – were not vain.

“The scripture teaches us that in suffering and pain, there is born perseverance which in turn leads to strong character and hope.”

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In addition, Mabuza said the government was pleased September was declared national police safety month not to only commemorate the murdered officers but for all to communicate and spread the message of police safety.

“We should raise awareness on the need for active partnerships between the police and public.

“Partnerships between the police and the public should be widely supported and strengthened by all citizens and communities,” Mabuza said.

He added that the public should join Cele’s call “to work together in squeezing the space for criminals to zero”.

“It is in active police-public partnerships that we shall restore stability and order, it is in active police-public partnerships that we will prevent the wanton murder of our police officers,” Mabuza said.

He added the partnerships were also necessary as it was not the police who committed rapes, armed robberies and sexual violations of women and girl-children.

“It is the primary patriotic duty and responsibility of citizens and communities to work with government in dealing with the contextual causes of criminal behaviour,” Mabuza said.

“A safe and secure environment is also beneficial for safer places for our children to learn, for our healthcare workers to work effectively and for the attraction of investments and promotion of tourism.”

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He further extended his gratitude to Cele and the senior management of his ministry for their continued support to the families of the fallen men and women in blue.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Cele’s deputy Cassel Mathale, national commissioner General Khehla Sitole and other senior management.

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