Yasmin Bilal
Twelve South African Police Service members who died in the line of duty over the past year were remembered at a national commemoration in Pretoria today.
Relatives, colleagues and police members gathered to remember those who died while carrying out their duties over the past year.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the commemoration was about recognising the people behind the uniforms and the families who have had to continue without them.
“This year, we remember 12 members who lost their lives in the line of duty during the last financial year,” said Ramaphosa.
Nine of the officers were from Gauteng, while North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga each lost one member.
Among the fallen was a mother of three from Temba Police Station. She was the only woman on this year’s Roll of Honour.
Ramaphosa also spoke about families who lost husbands and fathers. One of the officers left behind seven-month-old twins, while another was killed while his wife was pregnant.
“Behind every police killing is a family story that has been permanently rewritten,” said Ramaphosa.
The youngest officer remembered was 25. Several members were killed while responding to business robbery complaints, transporting awaiting-trial prisoners or carrying out routine crime prevention and patrol duties.
Ramaphosa said the circumstances surrounding the deaths should concern the country.
“We must confront a difficult question: what kind of society kills those entrusted to protect it? And what must we do to change it?” said Ramaphosa.
He said the fight against crime must extend beyond policing. Communities, he said, must respect the law, reject corruption and report criminal activity.
Ramaphosa also called for greater investment in families, schools, early childhood development, youth programmes and sport to help prevent young people from becoming vulnerable to criminal networks.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the loss of an officer leaves a lasting impact on families and colleagues.
“No words can undo the pain of losing a husband or wife, a mother or father, a son or daughter, a brother or sister,” said Cachalia.
Cachalia said government’s responsibility to fallen officers’ families must continue after the funeral through benefits, counselling, welfare support and education.
“Our commitment must continue in the practical support we provide in benefits, counselling, welfare and, importantly, in the education of their children,” said Cachalia.
He also urged serving officers to honour their fallen colleagues through professionalism, discipline, integrity and courage.
The South African Police Service Education Trust, known as SAPSET, has supported 2,215 children of fallen police officers since its establishment in 2010. More than R25 million has been raised through sponsorships.
Ramaphosa called on corporate South Africa to support the trust through sustained donations and scholarship programmes.
“No ceremony can replace a husband or wife. No pension can compensate for the loss of a father or mother. And no tribute can return a parent to their children,” said Ramaphosa.
The 12 officers remembered today were Constable Gift Mota, Sergeant Sello Raymond Sema, Sergeant Matome Rapetsoa, Sergeant Simon Masenye, Constable Mwazkhe Khoza, Warrant Officer Mosesi Moswana, Constable Moselalelelo Montja, Constable George Hlekiso, Sergeant Sanele Dlamini, Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa, Constable Sharon Hlangoane and Sergeant Lawrence Mtsweni.