Pretoria: The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has honoured four officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the 2025/26 financial year. The ceremony, held on Sunday, commemorated three male officers and one female officer, and was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
According to South African Government News Agency, the officers were remembered for their courage, dedication, and commitment to serving and protecting the community of Gauteng. The Commissioner posthumously thanked the officers for serving their country with loyalty and bravery. He also extended gratitude to their families for their support during the officers' service. "On behalf of Gauteng police management, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, their loved ones. Your selfless support and unwavering strength inspired them throughout their career in law enforcement. We are thankful for the time we had with them, and we are honoured that you are here with us today as we salute them for the last time," he said.
The officers honoured included Captain Wynand Du Toit of the Springs Police Station, who was shot and killed while intercepting suspects during a business robbery in Springs on 16 February 2025. Sergeant Winnie Ntila was shot and killed by suspects during a house robbery in Vosloorus on 03 September 2024. Warrant Officer Sello Joel Masedi was knocked down by a car at an accident scene in Mohlakeng, while Warrant Officer Mzukisi November was struck by a speeding vehicle during a roadblock in Springs.
Lieutenant General Mthombeni assured the families that the SAPS will address the educational needs of the children of the fallen officers through the SAPS Education Trust. On the same day, the government hosted the annual South African Police Service Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, honouring the lives of 27 police officers who died in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year. Deputy President Mashatile issued a warning against the killing of police officers, stating, "Attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws."