By Luyanda Mzobe
The South African Police Service (SAPS) came together in prayer last Wednesday to remember police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to pray for the safety and well-being of those who continue to serve.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane led the annual SAPS National Prayer Day at St Alban’s Cathedral in Pretoria.
The prayer day is held across all nine provinces during September, which SAPS observes as Police Safety Month. The month is dedicated to remembering police officers who have died while serving the country, while also promoting the safety, well-being and resilience of serving members.
The importance of the prayer day was highlighted by the recent loss of police officers across the country. At the National SAPS Commemoration Day earlier this month, 12 members were honoured for losing their lives in the line of duty during the 2025/26 financial year. Nine of the fallen officers were from Gauteng, while North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga each lost one member.
The danger faced by police officers has continued into September. On 18 September, two SAPS members were killed in the Eastern Cape while responding to a call for assistance in Libode near Mthatha.
Against this backdrop, this year’s prayer day was held under the theme “Confront uncertainty with courage, resilience and faith.”
Delivering the keynote address, Lt Gen Dimpane said the occasion provided police officials with an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the country and the communities they serve.
“We gather not simply as police leaders and members who wear the same uniform, but as a policing family united by a solemn calling: to protect life, uphold the law and serve the people of South Africa with courage, integrity, discipline and compassion,” she said.
Dimpane said the prayer day also allowed SAPS members to step away from the demands of policing and reflect on the challenges faced by the country, communities, police officials and their families.
She said holding the prayer day during Police Safety Month was significant because it connected the spiritual responsibilities of police officers with their duty to protect communities.
The service also included music and worship by the Restoration Ministries worship team, which created a reflective and uplifting atmosphere during the gathering.
One of the key moments of the programme was a candle-lighting ceremony led by Lieutenant Colonel H. Sibanyoni. The ceremony paid tribute to SAPS officials who lost their lives both on and off duty.
Representatives from SAPS divisions took part in the ceremony, with each candle representing one of South Africa’s nine provinces. The first candle was lit by Lt Gen Dimpane.
The candles served as a symbol of remembrance for officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while wearing the police badge and serving their communities.
For SAPS members and their families, the prayer day was more than a religious gathering. It was also a moment to remember colleagues who would not return home, acknowledge the risks faced by those still serving and renew the commitment to protecting South African communities.
