The 12 South African Police Service (SAPS) members, who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, have been remembered with high praise, with Acting Police Minister noting sombrely the impact of their loss on the fallen members’ families and colleagues.
This was at the heart of this year’s SAPS National Commemoration Day, as Cachalia paid tribute to the men and women, who left their homes to serve South Africa but never returned.
“We remember their lives. We remember the families who loved them and now live with their unbearable loss,” Cachalia said.
Addressing families, friends and colleagues gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday, Cachalia said the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the occasion reflects the importance the nation attaches to the safety and security of its people, as well as to those who dedicate themselves to protecting them.
“It is fitting that this solemn commemoration takes place in the presence of the President of the Republic,” Cachalia said.
The annual SAPS National Commemoration Day is held on the first Sunday of September to honour police officers who died in the line of duty during the preceding 12 months. The ceremony has for years brought together the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers at the SAPS Memorial Site at the Union Buildings, where the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered.
The tradition is a stark reminder that behind every name on the memorial is a life, a family and a community left to carry on without a loved one.
This year, 12 members are being honoured for losing their lives while on duty between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.
Cachalia acknowledged that no ceremony could ever erase the pain of loss.
“No words can undo the pain of losing a husband or wife, a mother or father, a son or daughter, a brother or sister.
“Your loved ones have not been forgotten. Their service mattered. Their sacrifice mattered, and their names will remain part of the story of our country and of the South African Police Service.”
Providing ongoing support
Cachalia stressed that government’s responsibility to the families of fallen officers does not end when the funeral is over.
“Our commitment must continue in the practical support we provide in benefits, counselling, welfare and, importantly, in the education of their children.”
Cachalia also acknowledged the important role played by the South African Police Service Education Trust, which supports the educational needs of children of fallen police officials.
“The work of the Trust speaks to something deeply important: when we care for a police official, we must care for the family that stands behind that official.
“Education is one of the most meaningful ways we can do this. By helping to secure educational opportunities for the children of our members, the Trust provides not only financial assistance, but hope, dignity and the possibility of a better future.”
To serving police officers, Cachalia said the best way to honour their fallen colleagues is to build a police service grounded in professionalism, discipline, integrity and courage.
He called for a service that protects its members, while earning the trust of the communities it serves.
“Let us care for one another. No police official should feel that they must carry trauma, grief or hardship alone. Today, we mourn. We remember. We give thanks.
“But above all, we recommit ourselves to the noble responsibility for which our fallen colleagues gave their lives, to protect the people of South Africa and to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Family members, friends and relatives braved the cold and rainy weather to gather at the Union Buildings and honour those whose lives were cut short in the line of duty.
This year’s commemoration also comes against the backdrop of a sharp decline in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty. The 12 members being honoured are fewer than the 27 officers commemorated in the previous 12-month period.
The fallen officers being remembered this year are 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.
Their names now form part of the enduring record of those who gave their lives while serving the people of South Africa.
Cachalia said their service, sacrifice and memory remain part of the story of the South African Police Service and the country. – SAnews.gov.za
