Moments of sorrow, trumpets and good spirit were part and parcel of this year’s Gauteng South African Police Service commemoration day at Linden Police Station on 25 October.
One hundred and seventy-six fallen police officers, who passed away both on and off duty, were honoured at the event.
Police officials and family members laid wreaths at the provincial Memorial Wall, where the fallen officer’s names were recently etched, at the station.
District Commander Major General Max Masha said, “We gather here for this occasion as a stern reminder that the passing of our brothers and sisters in blue was not in vain. They gave their lives to make sure that South Africa is a better and safer place to live in.
“Our 2030 dream or vision that all people in our country can walk our streets in complete safety and freedom has not died. We will continue our daily fight against crime and work tirelessly to achieve this.”
The deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services in Gauteng Major General Patricia Rampota, who delivered the keynote address added, “It is a heart-breaking occasion, and the voids that have been left will be hard to fill. We are here not only to grieve but to show gratitude in honouring the bravery of those police members who now have their names engraved on the memorial wall.
“The death of one police officer is a death too many. We need to build a society that respects the rule of law, respects the police, and ensures that the safety of all police members is protected.”
The police marching band welcomed the guard of honour, and the police choir sang traditional songs. A prayer was provided for both Hindus and Christians.
The occasion reached its climax with the sombre sound of a trumpet-playing The Last Post and the lowering of the South African national flag to half-mast.
Learners from Radford House High School in Fairlands showed their support by releasing dozens of white doves and balloons to symbolise the fallen heroes’ spirits leaving the earth.
Linden CPF chairperson Debbie Hanekom said, “Every year Linden hosts this commemoration day, and it serves as our thank you to police members and the great work that they do. It would be great for the community and local businesses to get involved in the upkeep of the memorial site and the commemoration day. A lot of people don’t even realise that this memorial exists.”
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