Pretoria - South African Police Services (SAPS) members are celebrating National Police Day on Tuesday to mark the achievements they have made and to remember heroes and heroines who passed away in the line of duty.
To mark the day, various activities are taking place across the country which aims to establish strategic partnerships with communities, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure joint efforts in the fight against crime.
According to the Director of Communications at the national SAPS office, Shane van den Berg, the day will see police stations across the country signing Memoranda of Understanding with various stakeholders in their communities to establish partnerships.
Partnerships are key in reducing and preventing crime, he says, adding that the public could become the eyes and ears of the police.
"Crime cannot be dealt with effectively by the police alone," Director van den Berg said.
The Minister of Safety and Security, Nathi Mthethwa will address police officers and the public in KwaMashu, north of Durban, as part of the celebrations.
He is also expected to interact with community members and visit a local taxi rank before attending a wreath-laying ceremony.
In Johannesburg, police officers in Kempton Park will receive tracker systems from local companies to aid in the fight against crime.
The SAPS in the Eastern Cape will engage in a 30 minute commemoration ceremony to pay tribute to those members who have paid the highest price by sacrificing lives to fight crime.
The province will also hold a Partnership Pledge Programme where the MEC for Housing, Safety and Security, Thobile Mhlahlo will deliver his keynote address.
