Helping hand for families
The families of 40 police officers, killed in the line of duty, have benefited from money raised by Crime Line for the Police Widows and Orphans Fund.
Inspired by Lead SA, Crime Line raised over R2.1-million for the fund during a radiothon hosted by Primedia Broadcasting’s four radio stations; Talk Radio 702, 567 Cape Talk, 94.7 Highveld Stereo and 94.5 Kfm and the Independent Group of Newspapers.
The fund has paid out a total amount of over R1.5-million to families of police officers who were murdered in the line of duty.
“The project was launched in response to the escalating number of police killings and the need to provide some relief to the families of slain police officers. These officers made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our communities. It was imperative to us that we acknowledge this sacrifice by also recognising the loss of the families and the severe financial strain of losing a breadwinner,” said head of Crime Line, Mr Yusuf Abramjee.
The Widows and Orphans Fund indicated that the balance of the funds, which total over R500 000, will continue to be paid out to the families of slain police officers.
“We have agreed with the fund that the terms of our agreements will change slightly to include police officers who died in the line of duty from other causes, including motor vehicle accidents,” said fund chairman, Lieutenant-General Craemer.
The family of Constable Reservist Busisiwe Mehlwana was one of the beneficiaries. She was gunned down during an ATM bombing in Pimville, Soweto, in July 2011.
Money was also paid out to the family of Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Ishlove, who died during a shootout with a gang of robbers in Northcliff, Johannesburg, in June 2011.
“We know this money will never replace nor bring back their loved ones, but the intention was to offer support to the families of our fallen heroes,” said Mr Abramjee.
