‘SAPS Commemoration Day is a reminder of dangers loved ones faced’

The families of two police officers who were killed in the line of duty have described today’s South African Police Service (SAPS) Commemoration as a reminder of the dangers their loved ones faced.

Thirty-nine police officers who died between April last year and March this year are being remembered at the annual SAPS Commemoration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Joana Maja and Sibusisiwe Mazibuko say their husbands died in gun violence while on police operations.

Maja says, “ I lost my husband on the 8th of June, that was the last time I saw him. They were investigating a crime at Mamelodi. That’s what, unfortunately, was the one who got shot that day. This day is a very sad day for me, but I’m very proud of him and I’m very proud for the SAPS. So that means they don’t forget them. They remember them every year. This day, it means a lot to me and my family.”

Mazibuko says, “I lost my husband last year, 17 October. They were going to an operation and that’s where he was shot and killed.”

 VIDEO | Remembering SAPS members who died in the line of duty: