| SAPS observes Interpol International Day of Remembrance for officers who died in the line of duty | |
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| Date Published: | 2026/03/06 |
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Media Statement
PRETORIA - On Saturday, 07 March 2026, the South African Police Service(SAPS) will form part of Police organisations across the world that will honour and remember all the men and women who lost their life behind the police badge. On this day, a wave of blue will be felt across the world with flags flying at half mast at all police stations, buildings and service points and all police vehicles blue lights turned on. Policing is one of the few professions on earth where the decision to protect our communities can cost a police officer everything. As a result, between 01 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, the SAPS lost 27 police officers who died in the line of duty. 19 of them were shot and killed, seven died in motor vehicle accidents and one was hit by a blunt object to the upper body. From 2023 to date, the HAWKS have arrested 263 police killers with 75 life sentences and a combined 2799 years imprisonment sentences handed down to each of these killers. In 2010, the SAPS established the South African Police Education Trust Fund(SAPSET) and to date, more than R35 million has been raised through donations and sponsors to take care of the educational needs of the children those parents lost their lives in service of the Nation. 1900 children have been assisted with their schooling needs including fees, books and uniform. 170 of them have matriculated, with 50 having obtained an NQF level 6 and/or 7 qualification. In ensuring the safety of our members on duty, the SAPS strives to secure our members safety by making sure that they are adequately trained, have sufficient resources including working tools of trade to respond to the call of duty. While our fallen officers may be gone, their service continues to unite us across borders, across cultures and across generations. May we honour those who died by continuing where they left of. The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola urges police officers to always act within the confines of the law when they have to defend and protect the communities that we serve. "Police are urged to be proactive in their approach, stay disciplined, and to utilize intelligence-driven as well as tactical skills to track down violent criminals. Work closely with our communities to ensure we rid our streets off violent criminals and organised syndicates. Lastly, do not die with the tools that we have given you. When Action is required, act decisively so within the confines of the law" , said General Fannie Masemola.
This international day of remembrance is about recommitting ourselves to the values of the Batho Pele principles for which our fallen officers stood for.To those who fell in the line of duty, thank you for your service, and to those that remain, let us carry the baton and continue to serve with integrity, bravery and courage.
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
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