Ramaphosa tells officers 'healing will come'
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to draw inspiration from the service given by the country’s police officers.
Ramaphosa was the keynote speaker at South African Police Service's annual national commemoration event for slain officers at the Union Buildings on Sunday afternoon.
The deputy president spoke on the same day reports on his personal life made headlines in several Sunday newspapers.
Ramaphosa offered words of comfort to the families of deceased police officers, encouraging them "that even if they might feel forsaken given their loss, healing will come".
The event saw families of the deceased police officers, government and police officials pay tribute to the 40 slain police officers who died over the past year.
Police minister Fikile Mbalula urged officers to not despair, assuring them that he understands their battles and the risks they face.
Mbalula also encouraged the police to improve their skills, so that they avoid being victims of dying on police duty.
''You must improve, including your shooting, you must not miss. You must come and see me when I shoot, I don't miss. I shoot straight and I shoot very, very fast. I can shoot and crawl at the same time. You must be alive, don't leave the task of the best cops to the task force. All of you must be alert. Criminals are brutal. They take our beloved ones,” Mbalula said.