Linden Police Station will soon commemorate the lives of those lost in the line of duty.
This year’s annual service takes place on September 10.
Last year, 10 members died while on duty, this year it is 23 – more than double the fatality rate in Gauteng.
The station is home to the Gauteng memorial wall and marble plaques with the names of every service member who died on duty inscribed.
Linden Police Station commander Colonel Shaid Abdool said, “The men and women we will be honouring on September 10, have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“A police officer is required to go beyond the call to protect life and property. For many, it’s a calling and the idea of not being a police officer is unimaginable. Our members are dedicated to serving and protecting. Leaving home and family to report for duty does not come with a guarantee that you may return.
“They are sons and daughters, moms, and dads, who went to work but never returned to their loved ones. They’ve paid the ultimate price of keeping us all safe. They laid down their lives for that calling.”
“This year, like every year we are busy getting our station in tip-top shape to honour the fallen,” says CPF chair Annelize Tichauer.
“The community vaguely knows about the Gauteng SAPS memorial wall at our station, and every year they drive past to listen to the band and watch the formalities.
“But do they really realise what is happening? The reality is yes, we would love to get our garden and memorial looking amazing, but this is much deeper.
“It’s our opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to every single SAPS member whose name is on the wall for waking up and going to work and for giving your life.
“Thank you to your parents and children for the sacrifices made so that I as a citizen and community member had the opportunity to go home to my family.”
If you would like to donate, contact helpdesk@lindencpf.co.za
What is needed: Water-wise plants, building supplies, fertiliser, compost, rocks to neaten paths and garden benches.
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