Crowdfunding initiative aids kids of deceased police officers

PRETORIA. A campaign to buy two cows for Lt Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has culminated in worthwhile aid for children of officers who die in the line of duty. Social media users launched the crowdfunding initiative in August. It was a gesture of appreciation for Mkhwanazi’s act. He exposed allegations of political interference and the shielding of criminals within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

BackaBuddy, a crowdfunding platform, raised proceeds. The police confirmed these proceeds have been donated to the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET). This donation occurred after receiving approval.

Brig. Athlenda Mathe, national spokesperson for the police, said the BackaBuddy campaign exceeded its initial target of R35 000. It raised a total of R44 074. The money has been paid into the police education trust. This trust was established in 2010 chiefly to aid children of police officers killed in the line of duty. After Mkhwanazi declined the two cows, the money was channeled to the education trust. This was in line with police policies and regulations. These regulations outline that police officers are not allowed to accept gifts for executing their duties.

“The social media community was requested to redirect the funds to SAPSET to pay for school fees, buy school uniforms and stationery for the children. The SAPS thanks social media influencers and users for raising R44 074 for children of officers who died in the line of duty,” said Mathe.

Gen. Fannie Masemola, national police commissioner, has – on behalf of Mkhwanazi and the men and women in blue – thanked each of the social media users for their efforts and contributions.

“These funds will go a long way in assisting us to keep these children in school. To date, the fund has paid for the school fees of more than 1 700 children. More than 140 have already obtained their senior certificate and at least 54 have already obtained a post-school qualification including diplomas and degrees,” said Masemola.

According to the police, since the education trust’s inception in 2010, more than R21 million has been donated. This helps ensure the children of these fallen officers stay in school.

The donation of proceeds from the BackaBuddy campaign coincided with honouring fallen officers at the annual SAPS Commemoration Day held on Sunday, 7 September, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The 27 officers (26 men and one woman), whose names have been placed on the Roll of Honour, were killed in the line of duty countrywide during the 2024-’25 financial year, compared to the 39 during the previous year. According to the police, no police killings were recorded in the Northern Cape and North West.

Breakdown of police deaths per province:

• Eastern Cape: five;

• Free State: four;

• Gauteng: four;

• KwaZulu-Natal: four;

• Limpopo: three;

• Mpumalanga: two;

• Western Cape: two; and

• Division – Visible Policing and Operations: three.