Today the SAPS memorial site at the Union Buildings in Pretoria was packed as hundreds of people gathered to commemorate the passing of SAPS officers.
The Minister of Police, Mr Nkosinathi Nhleko, the Deputy Minister of Police, Ms Maggie Sotyu and the National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega, joined by family members, colleagues and friends of the departed, gathered to pay tribute to the 68 police officers who paid the highest price between April 2013 and March 2014, while honourably serving the people of South Africa.
In its quest to increase safety awareness and highlight attacks on police, the SAPS top management has declared September 2014 as "Police Safety Month” and today marked the official launch of this campaign.
The programme for the month will seek to increase police officers’ awareness about their personal safety and compliance with applicable national instructions. We will also share guidelines on how to enhance alertness and harness community support to assist in the prevention of attacks on and murders of police officials.
Several activities in support of Police Safety Month are planned and include a National Prayer Day which will be held on 29 September 2014.
General Phiyega conveyed her appreciation to members of the SAPS as well as their families for the good work, sacrifices and dedication to making South Africa a safer place.
"Let us continue with this good fight, the fight to ensure that our citizens, and visitors to our country, can be and feel safe. Let us do so in memory of those who have died fighting so that the ultimate sacrifice they made, is not in vain," said General Phiyega.
Media enquiries:
Lieutenant General SM Makgale
E-mail: solomon.makgale@saps.gov.za
Tel: 012 393 2940/ 2630
Cell: 082 781 8863
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