A memorial wall, remembering sixty-one police officers attached to various Units of the South African Police Service in the Western Cape who since 1994 paid the highest price for their Country whilst performing their duty, was unveiled by the MInister for Community Safety in the Western Cape, Minister Leonard Ramatlakane in Pinelands earlier today ( Friday 23 July 2004) .

The unveiling of the Memorial Wall was also attended by the Provincial Commissioner of the Police in the Western Cape, Commissioner Mzwandile Petros, who was also the driving force behind the erection of such a symbol whereby all members of the SAPS and communities of the Western Cape can remember all those colleagues and officers who paid the highest price in safeguarding this young Democracy of ours.

" They died with their boots on" said Minister Ramatlakane referring to the 59 former policemen and women who had been killed on duty in the Western Cape since 1994.

" We are truly indebted to them and their loved ones and relatives for they paid with their lives in the defence of our Democracy and in so doing ensuring that our Constitution is protected. " said Minister Ramatlakane

He added that those who kill police men and women is making him or herself an enemy of the state and of the people.

Various other dignitaries from National and Local Government Departments also attended the unveiling.

Numerous family members (wives, husbands, fathers, mothers and children) friends and colleagues of officers who lost their lives whilst serving the people of the Western Cape attended the emotional unveiling of the Wall of Remembrance . They also laid wreaths near where the Wall was unveilled.

Minister Ramatlakane says, the Wall of Remembrance which is situated at the Police dog unit headquarters in Pinelands, will become a permanent feature which will be a reminder of the invaluale contribution by the deceased police officers.

Enquiries: Makhaya Mani
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Community Safety
Cell: 082 780 4493