Pretoria: The 12 South African Police Service (SAPS) members, who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, have been remembered with high praise, with Acting Police Minister noting sombrely the impact of their loss on the fallen members' families and colleagues. This was at the heart of this year's SAPS National Commemoration Day, as Cachalia paid tribute to the men and women, who left their homes to serve South Africa but never returned.
According to South African Government News Agency, Cachalia emphasized the importance of remembering the lives of the fallen officers and the families who now endure their loss. Addressing families, friends, and colleagues gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday, Cachalia noted the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighting the nation's commitment to the safety and security of its people and those who protect them.
The annual SAPS National Commemoration Day is held on the first Sunday of September to honor police officers who died in the line of duty during the preceding 12 months. The ceremony brings together families, friends, and colleagues of fallen officers at the SAPS Memorial Site at the Union Buildings, remembering the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This year, 12 members are being honored for losing their lives while on duty between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. Cachalia acknowledged that no ceremony could erase the pain of loss, but emphasized that the service and sacrifice of the fallen officers mattered and will remain part of the story of South Africa and the SAPS.
Cachalia stressed the ongoing responsibility of the government to support the families of fallen officers, highlighting the role of the South African Police Service Education Trust in supporting the educational needs of their children. He called for a police service grounded in professionalism, discipline, integrity, and courage, and urged for a service that protects its members and earns the trust of the communities it serves.
Family members, friends, and relatives braved the cold and rainy weather to gather at the Union Buildings to honor those whose lives were cut short in the line of duty. This year's commemoration also noted a sharp decline in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty, with 12 members being honored compared to the 27 officers commemorated in the previous year.
The fallen officers being remembered this year are Constable Gift Mota, Sergeant Sello Raymond Sema, Sergeant Matome Rapetsoa, Sergeant Simon Masenye, Constable Mwazkhe Khoza, Warrant Officer Mosesi Moswana, Constable Moselalelelo Montja, Constable George Hlekiso, Sergeant Sanele Dlamini, Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa, Constable Sharon Hlangoane, and Sergeant Lawrence Mtsweni. Their names now form part of the enduring record of those who gave their lives while serving the people of South Africa.
Cachalia concluded that their service, sacrifice, and memory remain part of the story of the South African Police Service and the country.