Gauteng police remember those who died while serving the nation they pledged to protect

The lives of 23 Gauteng policemen and women who perished while on duty in the last year have been commemorated in a moving ceremony.

Held at the Linden Police Station where the provincial Garden of Remembrance is located, families and provincial top brass from the SAPS were in attendance as the final honour roll was called out.

Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela led officials and comforted families through the programme.

“These are our heroes and heroines whose names will forever be remembered for paying the ultimate price as they served this nation.”

“They did not flee when in danger but stayed true to their oath of service to protect the people of this country.”

Sedibeng district commissioner Major General Adelaide Lemba added, “We bleed tears of blue and commemorate our fallen heroes. We measure lives not by time but by the contributions made and sacrifices borne for our county.”

Gloria van Niekerk said at the service, “My son, Constable KP Malahlela (29), was gunned down last October after being ambushed while working a case in Boksburg along with Sergeant VI Batsha (45) who was also killed. It is impossible to describe the loss and the pain.”

Her son had a four-year-old boy and his girlfriend ,who was pregnant at the time of his murder, has just given birth to their baby.

The Last Post was played as the national flag was lowered to half-mast, followed by two minutes of silence and reflection.

Family members present had an opportunity to lay wreaths at the memorial wall where the names of the fallen will be inscribed for posterity.

Local school pupils released white doves to wrap up the solemn and official occasion after which Mawela interacted with the bereaved informally.

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