The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joins its dedicated Affiliate, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), in paying tribute to the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the last financial year.
Sadly, 27 officers died in the line of duty from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The officers’ lives were honoured at the SAPS National Commemoration Day held at the Union Buildings on Sunday with the Deputy President, Paul Mashitile, and Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, in attendance. The day of remembrance is held annually to honour the fallen officers for their bravery and courage. Last year’s ceremony honoured 39 officers.
COSATU and POPCRU convey sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the gallant officers who died in the battle against crime. The nation owes them a debt of gratitude.
The Federation concurs with POPCRU that the annual event should not be just a commemoration but should become a catalyst for the transformation of policing conditions in the country. It is critical that SAPS be allocated the resources it needs to fill vacant posts, reverse the drain in personnel numbers, upgrade dilapidated police stations, overhaul archaic IT systems, eradicate and drastically enhance the forensics database, ensure all vehicles are in working order and that the skills of officers are constantly invested in. It is time that SAPS’ salaries are boosted to reflect the sacrifices they make protecting the nation daily and to ensure they are insulated from well-resourced criminal syndicates who are inclined to lure them with lucrative bribes.
Speaking at the event Deputy President Mashatile said they were providing resources for specialised units, investing in advanced technology, strengthening intelligence, and tightening laws to decisively tackle those who target police officers. COSATU and POPCRU will keep a close eye to ensure government delivers on its promise.
It is equally critical that those who attack SAPS members, must be met with the most severe consequences. They must be charged, denied bail and in the cases of the murder of SAPS members, given life in prison as per the law. Such cases must be prioritised and the guilty made to face the full might of the law.
POPCRU also made it abundantly clear that the R250 000 death grant has remained unchanged since inception and is not sufficient to sustain the families of the fallen officers, in particular, providing for the needs of children including their education. COSATU pledges its unwavering support to its Affiliate as it commences its fight to see the death grant increased.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 or 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za