Cape Town - The men and women in the City’s safety and security directorate, who paid the ultimate sacrifice, were honoured during a Remembrance Day service at the weekend.
The memorial wall on the Concourse Level in the Civic Centre holds the names of 68 staff members in the City’s safety and security directorate, who died in the line of duty.
Thirty-nine names date back to 1907. The latest name to be inscribed was that of Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer, Zanikhaya Kwinana, who was killed when gunmen opened fire on a patrol vehicle in Nyanga in August last year.
In 2022, the names of 29 staff members who succumbed to Covid-19 were added to the wall.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and safety and security mayco member JP Smith led the ceremony, which was attended by relatives of the fallen members.
The service included a wreath-laying to honour those who gave their lives in battle.
Hill-Lewis saluted the staffers for their bravery and dedication.
h4HE HEROES WHO DIED IN THE line of duty in years gone by and the 29 colleagues of ours who lost their lives to Covid-19 – each of them was a friend, a colleague, a son, a daughter, a mother or a father.
“Each name here represents a story of valour and sacrifice, a story that has shaped the safety of Cape Town and inspired those who continue to serve.”
Hill-lewis said there were over 60 attacks on City of Cape Town law enforcement agencies this year, including on metro police and LEAP officers.
Smith echoed these sentiments, emphasising the enduring legacy of the fallen heroes.
“The wall of remembrance stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff members,” he said.
“Their service and sacrifice are woven into the fabric of our community.
“Their memory guides us as we strive to uphold the values they held dear.”
A full list of the names inscribed on the memorial wall can be viewed AT bit.ly/3SnMhnK
Cape Argus