PRETORIA – The SAPS has seen a significant drop in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty, evidenced by the 12 who lost their lives during the period 1 April last year to 31 March this year. Both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane remarked that the decrease reflects the progress of operational interventions.

They were speaking at the SAPS National Commemoration Day held today at the Union Buildings in Tshwane to honour the 12 officers. Last year’s number stood at 27 officers killed in the line of duty. According to Ramaphosa, the drop also reflects police safety initiatives, community partnerships and cooperation across government and with the private sector.

The SAPS holds its annual National Commemoration Day on the first Sunday in September. Laying floral wreaths for departed police officers is a solemn and respected tradition that signifies both the beauty and brevity of life. Families, colleagues and government leaders gathered at the memorial site to lay flowers and observe a moment of silence as the names of fallen heroes were permanently etched on the memorial wall.

Ramaphosa said nine of the officers killed were from Gauteng, with one each from North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Among them was the only woman on this year’s Roll of Honour, Constable Sharon Hlangoane (33), killed on 12 September last year while on routine patrol in the Chris Hani section (Block G) of Temba. She left behind a husband and three young children.

“Behind every police killing is a family story that has been permanently rewritten. We remember seven devoted husbands and fathers of young children. Among the families gathered here today is a wife who was pregnant when her husband was killed, and another whose father and husband left behind seven-month-old twins,” said Ramaphosa.

“The circumstances of these deaths should concern us deeply. Several members were killed while crewing the same shift, responding to business robbery complaints or transporting awaiting-trial prisoners. Others died on routine crime prevention and patrol duties in their own precincts,” the president said.

Ramaphosa stressed that the lives of officers who died in the line of duty are irreplaceable.

“No ceremony can replace a husband or wife. No pension can compensate for the loss of a father or mother. And no tribute can return a parent to their children. But we can ensure that their service is never forgotten and that their families remain part of the national family,” he said.

Paying tribute to the fallen officers, Ramaphosa said: “To the children of our fallen members: your parents left you more than memories. They left you a legacy of courage, duty and service. Carry their names with pride and build lives worthy of their sacrifice. To the men and women of the SAPS: the nation sees your courage and recognises the demands of your profession.”

The fallen officers being remembered: 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.