The South African Police Service hosted their annual commemoration of police officers who were killed in the line of duty, on 12 November at the Linden Police Station.
The commemoration has taken place every year since 2007 when the Garden of Remembrance was built. The names and dates of killed policemen are documented on a marble wall.
Members of the SAPS, government officials and friends and family members attended the memorial along with Gauteng SAPS and the Gauteng Brass Band Choir that serenaded guest with songs of remembrance.
Warrent Officer Sivuyile Maqinyana, who was the programme director, welcomed guests to the annual commemoration before calling upon Reverend Mashiane who started the day’s proceedings with an opening prayer.
Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board chairperson Andy Mashaile acknowledged the great work done by the men and women in the line of duty. “Members of the SAPS have shown great dedication and admiration in the communities that they serve. They risk their lives on a daily basis to combat crime and today symbolises our acknowledgement of all their efforts,” Mashaile said.
A tribute took place where members of the SAPS raised the National Flag halfway. It was then fully raised after a moment of silence to acknowledge police officers who have passed on.
Government officials, members of the SAPS, family and friends had the opportunity to lay wreaths in front of the Garden of Remembrance. Family members of slain police officers came in numbers as far as KwaZulu-Natal to pay tribute to the loved ones they lost.
Suraya Naidoo lost her husband Detective Trevor Naidoo from Orange Farm on 4 February this year. “This commemoration gives us comfort that the SAPS cares about the families who lost those close to them while on duty. My husband loved his job and to see how he is honoured along with other deceased officers makes me proud,” she said.
Gauteng Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini, who has been an officer for 36 years, believes that in order to reduce the amount of police killings, society can assist the police by always being alert and reporting criminal activities.
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