Keeping check on its officers, the South African Police Service (SAPS) hosted a belated celebration of National Police Day today, Thursday February 15, by promoting fitness and wellness within its ranks. This will be followed by the Excellence Awards on Friday (February 16).

The day is officially marked on January 27 when Cabinet approved that date as National Police Day in 2005.

Today, officers were involved in different sporting codes and fitness activities to encourage members’ participation in sport and to institutionalise health and wellness culture in the organisation, SAPS said in a statement.

“Last year, the SAPS signed a memorandum of understating (MOU) with Virgin Active and Planet Fitness to ensure that members remain physically fit and healthy,” the statement said.

The day’s festivities started with a fun run at 5.30am as well as an aerobics session. “Members will participate in various sporting activities such as netball and soccer,” the SAPS statement said.

Police Minister General Bheki Cele, the Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale and the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola were also expected to take part in exercise activities.

On National Police Day, the South African Police Service (SAPS) remembers the sacrifices that the men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa, the statement read.

This will be followed by the ninth edition of the Excellence Awards, which will be held in Gauteng on Friday. This year’s themes are Reset, Recharge, Take Charge, and Encouraging Innovation and Rewarding Excellence.

“The National Police Day and the Excellence Awards is set aside to appreciate all serving members as well as to pay homage to those who have fallen. We salute all SAPS employees and value you. In the efforts to protect, unfortunately some paid the highest price for their dedication and patriotism, that of their own lives,” said SAPS.

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SAPS promotes fitness, wellness to mark National Police Day