Covid-19 claims the lives of two police officers
Two veteran police officers have died due to Covid-related illnesses.
A total of 370 officers have tested positive for the virus, with most of the cases coming from the Western Cape.
Police spokesperson Vish Naidu says the officers, based in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, passed away in hospital.
Naidoo says the 55-year-old KZN officer died on Sunday had been a part of the police force for 27 years.
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"The warrant officer served our country for 27 years having joined the organization as a student constable in 1993.
"In the Eastern Cape, a captain succumbed to the virus on Monday. The captain had 29 years of service, having joined the organization in 1991 also as a student constable.
National commissioner Khehla Sitole has also paid tribute to the two officers.
“On behalf of the entire SAPS family, I would like to personally pay tribute to the two members who placed their lives on the line to ensure that the people of South Africa are protected against crime as well as against this virus.
"I have also conveyed my sincere condolences to the families of our fallen colleagues and thanked them for the decades the members have served in the SAPS as well as for allowing them to serve during these trying times."