The eThekwini Inner South Cluster held their district commemoration service to honour and remember police personnel who have passed on, on and off duty, in the past year.
The families of the 38 police officers who died joined the members of the SAPS, as well as dignitaries at Emmaus Fellowship in Silverglen, as emotions ran high while their loved ones and colleagues were remembered.
“Our heart strings tugged as the bereaved families entered the sanctuary to commemorate their heroes who are their fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. The South African flag does not fly because of the wind. It flies because of every policeman and policewoman who took their last breath in trying to protect it. This sacrificial love speaks volumes of the commitment and dedication of 38 police officers who has lost their lives as they served the people of South Africa,” said communications officer of the Chatsworth SAPS, Captain Cheryl Pillay.
Major General Mandelenkosi Chirwa, the Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner of police in KZN, thanked the heroes who laid down their lives. He further thanked the families for allowing the fallen heroes to serve in the South African Police Service.“Day in and day out, police officers are called into service not knowing if they would return home. The real heroes are the ones who make the ultimate sacrifice by releasing their loved ones for the people of this country. Words cannot express the pain and sorrow they may feel at the loss of a loved one but know that God is your strength and his plan must prevail,” he said.
Reverend Selvan Pillay from Emmaus Church prayed over the families, also calling upon God to protect the men and women in blue as they embark on festive duties. “Police are thankful for the corporate anointing which enabled the team to network with stakeholders who wished to express their support of the police,” said Capt Pillay. Dr Sooliman of the Gift of the Givers pledged 155 Christmas hampers towards the bereaved families. Other sponsors for the event included Clive Moodley of Pinetown Funerals, MonoPac and Singhs Caterers, who ensured that the families were treated to a meal before leaving the sanctuary to return home without their loved ones. The family members of the fallen officers also each received a shield, a certificate of appreciation and a hamper where they accepted this kind gesture from the police.
