Pretoria - The South African Police Service (SAPS) is today celebrating National Police Day.
Cabinet approved 27 January as National Police Day in 2005. The day remembers the sacrifices that the men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa. It also a day to reflect on the significance and meaning of the policing profession and its important role in society.
National Police Day is an important day in the calendar of the SAPS as it marks the date on which the SAPS Act, 1995, was promulgated.
To mark the day, President Jacob Zuma has extended his good wishes to the man and women in blue.
"We salute the police men and women of our country today on their special day. Our police officers work tirelessly, at times facing great danger and threats to their lives, to maintain public order and a crime free society.
“We appreciate the sacrifices and urge all in our country to support the police in their work. We also pay tribute to all police officers who were killed in the course of duty. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this important day,” said President Zuma on Wednesday.
SAPS will celebrate the day in Korsten, Port Elizabeth, where Police Minister Nathi Nhleko will officially open the TETRA Digital Radio System and the 10111 Centre. This is part of migrating from analogue to digital radio communication, in keeping with international standards.
Terrestrial Radio (TETRA) is a digital radio communication system that has been operational in Gauteng. The Eastern Cape will be the second province to use the effective and modernised system.
TETRA is mainly used for communication among operational members in the SAPS, including 10111 centres. – SAnews.gov.za
