Saps stands with Interpol to honour fallen police officers

Members of the South African Police Service Guard of Honour are seen at the Saps Commemoration Day event at The Union Buildings in Pretoria. Picture: Michel Bega Police officers in South Africa are coming under increased attack in the country, with over 20 men and women in blue killed during the past financial year. The South African Police Service (Saps) on Saturday joined police organisations around the world in honouring and remembering all the men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty on the Interpol International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers.

On this day, a wave of blue was seen across the world, with flags flying at half-mast at all police stations, and all police vehicles had their blue lights turned on in tribute. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said policing is one of the few professions where the “decision to protect our communities can cost a police officer everything”. “As a result, between 1 April, 2024 and 31 March, 2025, the Saps lost 27 police officers who died in the line of duty.

Nineteen of them were shot and killed, seven died in motor vehicle accidents and one was hit with a blunt object on the upper body.” Mathe said the Hawks have arrested 263 police killers since 2023. The arrests have led to 75 life sentences and a combined 2 799 years in prison for those convicted. “In ensuring the safety of our members on duty, the Saps strives to make sure that they are adequately trained, have sufficient resources, including working tools of trade, to respond to the call of duty,” Mathe said.

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National Commissioner of the Saps General Fannie Masemola urged officers to always act within the confines of the law when they defend and protect the communities that they serve. “Police are urged to be proactive in their approach, stay disciplined, and utilise intelligence-driven as well as tactical skills to track down violent criminals. Work closely with our communities to ensure we rid our streets of violent criminals and organised syndicates.

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