National Police Day – Minister Plato salutes our Everyday Heroes

Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

The celebration of National Police Day today, asks of all of us in South Africa to remember the sacrifices that our men and women in blue make every day to provide safety service delivery for all who live in the country.

I salute our everyday heroes, the men and women in blue, who serve our communities tirelessly.

I salute your efforts to do your job despite the resource constraints you endure, and the backlash you face from individuals, communities and critics as you try and uphold the rule of law and keep everyone safe.

My wish is that every person will understand that bad apples exist in most environments and, collectively, the SAPS are working to root them out within the service. For every bad cop there are hundreds if not thousands of others who are good.

I call on every South African and especially every person living in the Western Cape to remember that the police are serving all of us.

During the National Police Day today and for the rest of the year ahead I challenge each person to be kinder to one another and kinder to the police every day.

Hold our South African Police Service (SAPS) officers accountable. Help the SAPS in taking responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those around you.

I encourage people in the Western Cape to report the positive stories about their interactions with the police, instead of only the negative ones. The Department of Community Safety in the Western Cape’s ‘Reward a Cop’ initiative is a dedicated communication line to give thanks for good service received by the SAPS and exceptional interactions with officers.

Community members can contact their respective station commanders directly or share their appreciation with the Department by sending a fax to 021 483 6026, emailing safer@westerncape.gov.za , or by sending an SMS starting with “REWARD” to 35395.