In remembrance of the South African Police Service (SAPS) members who died in the line of duty in the province during the 2018/2019 financial year, a Commemoration Service was held on 22 September 2019 at North West Provincial Head Office, Potchefstroom.
The service was graced by the presence of MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Mr Sello Lehari, Deputy National Commissioner of Human Resource Management, Lieutenant General BC Mgwenya, North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, SAPS employees in the province, families of the fallen heroes, Community Police Forum (CPF) representatives and the broader community.
In her welcoming remarks, the Deputy National Commissioner of Human Resource Management, Lieutenant General Mgwenya said the management of the SAPS strongly condemns the murder and attacks on police officials as this undermines the authority of the State and threatens the safety and stability of communities.
“It is disturbing that men and woman, who are critical role players in the fight against crime, die at the hands of ruthless criminals. This can never be justified and the SAPS vows to continue to pursue those who are guilty of these heinous crimes against our police members and reservists. As we remember our heroes for their braveness and dedication, let us unite in working together as a nation to bring the scourge of crime and murder to an end, and to foster a culture where everyone appreciates, values and protects our men and women in blue”, she said.
Upon delivering the key note message, the MEC Mr Lehari called on all citizens of the province to be part of the community policing forums in their areas, and fight crime together with the police within the armpit of the law. He further said: “when arresting criminals, hand them over to the police rather than taking the law into our own hands. This men and woman are not responsible for all service delivery issues, but to deal with criminal elements and any crime against the police, is a crime against the state,” he said.
As part of paying tribute to the fallen members, the MEC, the Deputy National Commissioner of Human Resource Management, Provincial Commissioner and the fallen heroes’ family members laid wreaths at the Memorial Site.
