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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BY THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF
THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE, GENERAL SF
MASEMOLA (SOEG)
SAPS NATIONAL COMMEMORATION DAY: 1 SEPTEMBER 2024
SAPS MEMORIAL SITE, UNION BUILDINGS IN PRETORIA
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• The Acting President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Mr P Mashatile
• The Minister of Police, Mr S Mchunu
• Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms TP Simelane
• Minister of Correctional Services, Dr JP Groenewald
• Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mrs MA Motshekga
• The Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale
• The Deputy Minister of Police, Ms P Boshielo
• The Deputy Minister Home Affairs, Mr N Nzuza
• The Deputy Minister of Correctional Service, Ms l Ntshalintshali
• National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr S Thobakgale
• Members of the Executive Council (MECs) for all nine provinces
• Director General for Civilian Secretariat of Police: Mr ST Sibuyi
• Director General of Justice and Constitutional Development: Mr (Adv) Dr SA Mashabane
• All Heads of Entities
• National Head of the DPCI, Lt General (Dr/Adv) Lebeya
• All Deputy National Commissioners present
• Provincial Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners present
• All Chiefs of Law Enforcement Agencies present
• The CEO of Government Employee Pension Fund, Mr Musa Mabesa
• SAPSET Board executive members present
• The President of POPCRU, Mr T Ngwenya
• The 2nd Vice President for SAPU, Mr P Ntsime
• Ms Khomotso Mosoane – Secretary of Council for SSSBC
• Ms Neo Khauoe, Principle Officer, POLMED
• Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum, Mr F Lucas and members of the National Executive CPF Board
• All our Stakeholders present,
• All senior members of the SAPS and all SAPS members
• Members of the media present
• Members of the clergy
• Distinguished guests
• Ladies and gentlemen
Good day to you all gathered here today.
As we approach the conclusion of this solemn Commemoration Day Service, we find ourselves reflecting on the immense sacrifices made by our brave colleagues. Today, we honoured and paid our last respects to 39 members of the South African Police Service who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2023/2024 financial year.
Their names are now permanently inscribed on this Memorial Wall, serving as a lasting tribute to their courage and dedication. They will forever remind us and future generations of the selfless and gallant heroes and heroines who gave their lives to protect and serve the people of South Africa. It is our duty to ensure that their legacy endures.
On behalf of the South African Police Service, I wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the Honourable Deputy President, Mr. Paul Mashatile. Your presence and support here today highlights the significance of this occasion and reaffirms the critical role our police officers play in upholding our democracy and ensuring the safety of our citizens.
I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, and the Deputy Ministers of Police, Mr. Cassel Mathale and Ms. Polly
Boshielo, for your unwavering dedication to the safety and security of our country. Your leadership is the guiding beacon in our continued strive for peace and justice across South Africa.
A special word of appreciation goes to all the Ministers and Members of Parliament, present today. Your attendance is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for our police officers and reflects our shared commitment to building safer, more secure communities. Your presence, alongside that of the Deputy President, demonstrates that ours is indeed a caring government.
To the National and Provincial Chairpersons of the Community Policing Boards, thank you for your invaluable role in fostering trust and collaboration between our communities and the police. As we honour our fallen heroes and heroines today, we urge you to continue your essential work. We need our communities to stand with us, to speak out against crime, and to help bring those responsible for the deaths of our colleagues to justice. In doing so, we bring comfort and closure to the families and loved ones of the 39 members we honour today.
To everyone gathered here, I extend our deepest gratitude for joining us in remembering the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The 1st of September holds a deep and profound significance for us as we pay tribute to our fallen heroes.
To our Programme Director and Chaplain, thank you for guiding us through this day of remembrance with grace and compassion. Your words have offered comfort and strength as we reflect on the courage and dedication of those who have laid down their lives in service to our country.
Today serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery, commitment, and selflessness of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage and dedication will forever remain in our hearts. They stood strong, protecting our communities and ensuring that every South African can live without fear.
As we honour their memory, let us be inspired by their commitment to our mission to serve and protect without fear or favor. May their legacy continue to motivate us to strive for a safer, more secure South Africa. Their spirit lives on in every member of the South African Police Service who wears the uniform with pride and serves with unwavering dedication.
In closing, I wish to thank each and every one of you for being here today. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to the safety and security of our beloved nation.
May the memories of our fallen heroes continue to inspire us to serve with honour and integrity.
God bless you all.
Thank you.
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