SAPS OBSERVES NATIONAL POLICE DAY IN BLOEMFONTEIN

SAPS OBSERVES NATIONAL POLICE DAY IN BLOEMFONTEIN

BLOEMFONTEIN, 28 January 2026 – Hundreds of police officers observed National Police Day at the Dr Rantlai Malemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Free State on 27 January 2026.

This iconic annual event, observed every January, provides an opportunity for police officers to pause, reflect on the year that has passed, and take pride in their service to the nation. National Police Day is not only a celebration of the men and women who wear the badge, but also a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to safety, justice, and accountability.

In 2005, Cabinet proclaimed 27 January as National Police Day. On this day, the SAPS honours the sacrifices made by the men and women in blue in pursuit of safety and security for all citizens of South Africa, while paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, 27 police officers tragically lost their lives while serving the nation.

Justice has been pursued relentlessly against those responsible. From April 2023 to date, 263 suspects have been arrested and convicted. Of these, 75 police killers were successfully convicted, receiving 73 life sentences and a combined 2 599 years’ imprisonment.

To preserve the memory of fallen officers, the South African Police Service established the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET) in 2010. The Trust, provides financial and resource support to the children of officers who died in the line of duty, covering school fees, books, uniforms, and other necessities. Since its inception, more than R21 million has been raised to support the educational needs of over 1 900 children. In the 2025 academic year alone, 274 beneficiaries received assistance from the fund.

This year’s National Police Day also featured the SAPS Career Expo, offering learners, graduates, and jobseekers an opportunity to explore diverse career paths within the Service. In furthering community partnerships and career development, SAPS members proudly showcased their professional regalia, inspiring more than 1 000 learners and jobseekers to consider careers in policing.

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, emphasized that the National Police Day provides an opportunity of reflection of how far we have come and the victories we have scored in the fight against crime.

“As we commemorate this day, we pause to honour the sacrifices made—and those that continue to be made—by our men and women in blue in fulfilling the SAPS constitutional mandate. Their dedication embodies the very essence of our theme: a legacy built through service, and a lifetime defined by honour. It affords us an opportunity to acknowledge our collective achievements, as well as the resilience, discipline, and professionalism demonstrated by our members over the past year” – said General Masemola.

The Deputy Minister of Police Mr. Cassel Mathale giving his keynote address emphasized that – “career in policing is call – that demands sacrifice, but it will also offer profound rewards. You will stand in moments when your intervention saves a life. You will comfort a victim. You will have the opportunity to provide the guidance that a young person needs to prevent them from going into a life of crime. You will bring a dangerous offender to justice. You will be part of rebuilding a community torn by violence. You will turn policing into a highly trusted and respected career choice”.