South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile has paid tribute to 39 police officers killed in the line of duty over the past year, describing their loss as “a painful reminder” of the dangers faced by law enforcement in the country.
Speaking at the National Police Commemoration Day ceremony, Mr Mashatile said: “These extraordinary individuals exhibited unparalleled courage and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of others, placing their own lives on the line without hesitation.”
The deputy president highlighted the alarming increase in violence against police officers, noting that 140 officers have been killed since 2021. He called for a robust response to what he termed “a direct attack on the state”.
“We cannot tolerate their ongoing brutality,” Mr Mashatile said. “An assault on SAPS is a direct attack on the state, and we must take action against individuals who perpetrate this crime, which is equal to treason.”
“Fighting crime should not only be the SAPS responsibility; communities are expected to work with the police to fight criminal activity, protect their properties, and help identify criminals.
“Criminals are humans who live in our communities, and residents know where they live. As a result, we urge all community members to inform the police of criminals’ whereabouts to enable them to promptly arrest all criminal elements in our communities.”
The government is facing mounting pressure to address the country’s high crime rate, with recent statistics revealing that an estimated three people are murdered every hour in South Africa.
Mr Mashatile urged the police force to act decisively against criminals, stating: “Police officers must not die with their service firearms on their holsters when criminals refuse to surrender and start firing at police.”
He also called for greater community involvement in fighting crime, emphasising the importance of strengthening Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and encouraging citizens to report criminal activity.
The ceremony included a wreath-laying and the engraving of fallen officers’ names on the SAPS Wall of Remembrance at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The National Police Commemoration Day is an annual event held to honour police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel and aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by police in South Africa.
