Deputy President Mashatile Condemns Officer Deaths, Promises Strong Action at SAPS Event

• Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that police killing will be met with the harshes punishment permitted by law
• Mashatile spoke at the SAPS National Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday
• The deputy president decried the loss of the 66 police officers who died in the line of duty over the last two years.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile expressed sorrow over the deaths of 66 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past two years.

What did Mashatile say?

Mashatile spoke at the SAPS National Commemoration Day, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday, 7 September 2025. He gathered with the top police brass and other government leaders to honour the fallen police officers.

He said that the government should find ways to better equip and train police officers. He praised the bravery of the men and women in blue who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the law.

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The Deputy President noted that government is strengthening specialised units, investing in advanced technology, improving intelligence, and reviewing laws to deal firmly with those who target police officers.

He emphasised that attacks on officers are regarded as attacks on the state and should carry the toughest possible penalties, with legislation tightened where required.

What did South Africans say?

Social media users shared their opinions regarding the fallen police officers.

@BarronNaledi said:

"May their memory be a blessing to their parents, family, relatives and friends."

@Blacksh90139340 said:

"This event is so emotional but necessary. It teaches SAns to be patriotic. We must protect our police officers in any way possible. I couldn’t imagine what those families were feeling at that moment."

@caesarionist said:

"We salute these brave officers who offered the ultimate sacrifice in service to us all. May their memories for ever be a blessing."

@Vaccinations13 said:

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"Which other country has so many police officers dying under the hands of criminals other than South Africa?"

@Vincent62343509 said:

"We have to salute these brave hero's, but with a murder rate that even surpasses war torn Gaza - South Africa should have its National Remembrance Day everyday."

@dillylibrarian said:

"Just noticed that the female cops sat while the men stood-why?"

@Vaccinations13 said:

"That shows that this country is a Banana republic."

@tu_mi03 said:

"Catch that Jabulani Moyo guy."

@ZKD79490700 said:

"Salute!! and thank you for your service."

SAPS and POPCRU pay tribute to police officers killed in road accident in Limpopo

In another report, Briefly News stated that the South African Police Service and unions are mourning the loss of two police officers in a tragic accident.

Constable Moloto and data capturer Patience Shingange were among four people killed in an accident on the R529 road between Letsitele and Lydenburg. The officers were on their way to the funeral of a colleague when they were involved in an accident. SAPS also confirmed that Shingange’s 18-year-old daughter and 70-year-old aunt also passed away in the crash.

Source: Briefly News