Minister Cele to lead National Police Day commemoration in Tshwane

Police Minister, Bheki Cele will officiate at the commemoration of the annual National Police Day on Thursday at the South African Police Service’s Tshwane Academy.

The day is set aside to honour the men and women in blue for their sacrifices in making South Africa safe.

This year’s event will be observed under the theme “Celebrating the Role of Women in Policing”.

Cabinet approved 27 January as National Police Day in 2005.

#sapsHQ Cabinet has set aside 27 January as #NationalPoliceDay to allow SAPS management to reflect on the previous year, appreciate serving members as well as to pay homage to fallen heroes. The theme for this year is “Celebrating the Role of #WomenInPolicing“. ML pic.twitter.com/Pq1ayEQno2

— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) January 27, 2022

#sapsHQ ?♂️?♀️#NationalPoliceDay As we are counting down hours to the 27th National Police Day celebrations themed “Celebrating the Role of #WomenInPolicing” we are reminded of the countless sacrifices made by all the incredible men and women in blue. MEhttps://t.co/DNinCa84Nb pic.twitter.com/1mPqKQJh0J

— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) January 26, 2022

Tribute to members who have succumbed to COVID-19

Last year, Cele paid tribute to 852 members who have succumbed to COVID-19 related complications since the beginning of the pandemic.

“The reality is that to us the pain goes beyond the numbers, but it cuts deep when we see empty desks in the workplace; when we see a reduced number of members on parade; when we see police stations with a severe shortage of members. The pain cuts even more deep to the parents, the spouses, children and families of our fallen men and women in blue; because of the sudden and untimely departure of their loved ones.”

Video: SAPS Commemoration Day in 2021