Article re-cap
- The City of Cape Town held its annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Civic Centre to honour staff members who died while serving the community.
- Three officers were honoured at this year's ceremony: Metro Police officer Tyler Patrick Lamb, law enforcement officer Muhammad Shaquille Abrams, and Fire and Rescue Services member Mario Aisley.
- Safety and Security MMC JP Smith announced plans for a benevolent fund to support families of officers killed in the line of duty, with a first fundraiser set for 31 July.
The City of Cape Town held an annual Remembrance Day ceremony on Saturday at the Civic Centre to honour 51 staff members who died while serving the community.
Officials gathered at a memorial wall, which was first unveiled in 2017, to pay tribute to emergency and enforcement personnel. The ceremony included the addition of three new names to the wall, with records spanning back to 1907. Those honoured were Metro Police officer Tyler Patrick Lamb, law enforcement officer Muhammad Shaquille Abrams, and Fire and Rescue Services member Mario Aisley.
The City recognised three staff members whose deaths occurred over the past year while serving or protecting others, according to reports. Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said each name on the memorial represents someone who accepted the risks associated with protecting others and serving the public.
Safety and Security Mayoral Committee Member JP Smith also recognised staff members who passed away while off duty. Smith encouraged colleagues to continue supporting one another both on and off the job.
Smith also announced that the City plans to establish a benevolent fund to support the families of officers killed in the line of duty. He acknowledged that restrictive local government legislation had delayed the process but said the City remained committed to the fund. The Safety and Security Directorate is holding its first fundraiser for the fund on 31 July.
For residents across the Cape Town area, these emergency responders and enforcement officers are often the first people on the scene during fires, accidents, disasters, and crime incidents.
Frequently asked questions
Who were the three officers honoured at the Cape Town Remembrance Day ceremony?
The three officers honoured were Metro Police officer Tyler Patrick Lamb, law enforcement officer Muhammad Shaquille Abrams, and Fire and Rescue Services member Mario Aisley.
What is the City of Cape Town's planned benevolent fund?
The City plans to establish a benevolent fund to support the families of officers killed in the line of duty. JP Smith acknowledged that local government legislation has delayed the process but said the City remains committed to the fund.
When is the first fundraiser for the benevolent fund?
The Safety and Security Directorate is holding its first fundraiser for the benevolent fund on 31 July.
Source: capetownetc.com, ewn.co.za
