Brigadier Nkhensani Lemba, station commander at the SAPS Germiston Police Station, led the National Police Day celebrations in Germiston on January 27.

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On this day, the SAPS honours and remembers the sacrifices that men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa.

During her speech, she said the cabinet approved January 27 as National Police Day in 2005.

Commemoration events are held in venues nationwide.

“On January 27 1995, the SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995) was promulgated. Ever since then, the day has been celebrated as National Police Day.

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“In celebrating this day, the country and the SAPS management acknowledge the outstanding contribution and role police employees make and fulfil in the fight against crime,” said Lemba.

“The day is also celebrated in other countries around the world, including Russia, Australia and England. We must conduct ourselves in line with our code of conduct,” she said.

“It is an important day for us because we are presented with the opportunity and time to reflect on what exactly we stand for in this democracy.

“The activities on National Police Day include those in which our employees celebrate policing in South Africa by displaying the SAPS commitment to protecting our people and maintaining a positive workforce.

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“We also applaud the bravery of the members who give dignity to the blue uniform and honour those whose commitment was met with the loss of their lives.

“We aim to promote police values and integrity. This is when we review the sacrifices we made and continue to make as the SAPS.

“The fight against crime has never been easy, but I am glad to see that the service is determined to survive adversaries. Together with respective communities, we continue to move forward and serve our people,” said Lemba.

To honour and remember those who died in the line of duty, a moment of silence was held.

Acting District Commissioner of Ekurhuleni Brigadier Lebohang Machakela encouraged the audience to continue to serve their communities with pride.

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He said the policemen and women should always remember their code of conduct because it is like a ‘compass to a pirate – it gives direction’, adding that the police should remain united and committed to crime fighting.