For SAPS Commemoration Day, held annually on the first Sunday of September, the police honoured officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2025/26 financial year.

Among those remembered was Captain Wynand Du Toit, a Springs-based officer who tragically died in a shoot-out in Geduld on February 16. Du Toit was honoured alongside three other officers, two men and one woman, for their bravery and dedication.

He is survived by his two sons, Sheldon and Nathan. During his memorial service earlier this year, the community reflected on his exemplary service and numerous accolades.

Du Toit received awards including the Best Social Crime Prevention Person of the Year at the SAPS Provincial Prestige Excellence Awards in 2017.

In 2021, he received a commendation medal for saving the life of an elderly man, and in 2023 he was named Vispol Employee of the Year at the Ekurhuleni District Excellence Awards.

The commemoration programme was led by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, who said: “On behalf of Gauteng police management, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, their loved ones.

“Your selfless support and unwavering strength inspired them throughout their careers in law enforcement. We are thankful for the time we had with them, and we are honoured that you are here with us today as we salute them for the last time.”

The event served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.

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