Pretoria - The anonymous tip-off service, Crime Line, and the Widows and Orphans Fund for Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have donated R20 000 for officers who died in the line of duty in Gauteng recently.
The R20 000 will be divided among the four families of the slain officers following a spate of police killings in the province over the past two weeks that claimed the lives in Sandringham, Erasmia and Park Station, respectively.
“R5 000 will be donated as a goodwill gesture to assist each family in this difficult time. We hope that this small thank you will help ease some of the financial burden of losing a loved one and breadwinner,” said Crime Line.
The donation will be made from the R2 million raised in 2011 for the Police Widows and Orphans Fund, which is a non-profit organisation funded by donations and membership contributions from serving SAPS members.
“Police officers who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect us are heroes. We thank these fallen heroes for their service to our country and salute their families for the ultimate sacrifice in ensuring our safety. We know that this donation will by no means ease their pain and sorrow, but we hope that it will convey our condolences for their loss,” Crime Line said.
Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner General Lesetja Mothiba and Gauteng CPF Provincial Board chairperson Andy Mashaile both thanked Crime Line for the donation.
“We call on everyone – from communities to business – to support police officers in the fight against crime. We urge you to help us protect our police and to expose these cop killers in our communities. We welcome this donation from Crime Line, which will help these families during this tragic time,” said Mashaile.
Information that could lead to the arrest of cop killers can be sent via SMS to 32211 (Costs R1) or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Crime Line called on the public to support the fund and the important support it provides to police officers and their families.
The donations can be made to the fund by SMSing the word “donation” to 38738 (Costs R10) or by depositing an amount directly to the fund’s bank account: ABSA cheque account – 030 000 080, branch code 632005. – SAnews.gov.za
