Linden Police Station hosts the 2022 Provincial Commemoration Day

Final salute by Gauteng SAPS for their fallen heroes and heroines at the 2022 Provincial Commemoration Day.

September 26, 2022

Lonwabo Sangqu 2 minutes read

IMG_5273_68839 — Officers stand to attention during a full police parade. Photo: Lonwabo Sangqu

A wave of gloom and tranquillity filled the air at this year’s Gauteng South African Police Service Commemoration Day held at the Linden Police Station on September 11.

Police officers comfort the families of their fallen heroes and heroines. Photo: Lonwabo Sangqu

Members from the various Gauteng police stations together with the families of the deceased police officers, the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko, and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela gathered at the provincial Memorial Wall to honour the lives of their loved ones who departed both on and off duty.

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko gives the keynote address. Photo: Lonwabo Sangqu

In the welcome address, Mawela mentioned with a population of over 16 million South Africans and only so many officers, the loss of one officer was one too many. “Although this day is always sombre, it is important and necessary that we have to honour it in remembrance of officers who have lost their lives in the 2021/2022 financial year.

Learners from various local schools are honoured with the act of releasing the doves. Photo: Lonwabo Sangqu

“It is therefore incumbent upon all of us who are left behind to keep the faith and continue with the good fight until we finish the race. These brave men and women in blue did not flee when they were faced with danger, they stood firm and defended the defenceless and stayed true to their oaths of service. They are our heroes and heroines and I want their families to take comfort in knowing that the ultimate sacrifice that their loved ones made was not in vain.”

Family members of a fallen police officer lay roses at the Wall of Remembrance. Photo: Lonwabo Sangqu

Police officials and family members laid wreaths at the provincial Memorial Wall, where the fallen officers’ names were etched. The Gauteng MEC laid a wreath on behalf of the Department of Police and the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner laid a wreath on behalf of SAPS Gauteng.

Learners from the local schools finally release the doves. Photo: Lonwabo Sangqu

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko gave a keynote address and shared the names of the late police officers:

Senior Gauteng police officials give a final salute to their fallen heroes and heroines. Photo: Lonwabo Sangqu

Constable Atlegang Nkgoeng from Boschkop
Constable Molwantwa Molefi from Midrand
Sergeant Sharon Mogale from Thembisa South
Constable Akhona Mxoli from Carletonville
Reservist Constable M S Madonsela from Orange Farm
Warrant Officer Jan Christoffel Esterhuysen from Fochville
Detective Warrant Officer J J Ndlovu and Data Typist B Manqele from Jabulani
Sergeant T C Novela from Vereeniging
Sergeant Maxwell Siweya Reiger Park.

“As law enforcement officers, continue your fight, continue your strides, continue making Gauteng a safer place for all our communities. As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are determined to help you fight in this fight against crime.”