Pretoria — Ninety-two police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the past year were remembered at a ceremony held in Pretoria on Sunday.

Speaking at the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commemoration Day, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the lives of those who died while serving the country would not be forgotten.

"As law-abiding South Africans, we are saying we shall never forget their dedication and contribution to the just cause of human stability," he said.

Mthethwa said police officers frequently faced dangerous and vicious criminals, who would not hesitate to kill them or even law-abiding citizens.

"We want to highlight this reality to all South Africans so that as they criticise the police, they should do so having a clearer understanding of the environments within which police operate.

"We are saying appreciate our men and women in blue whilst they are still alive," he said.

Mthethwa said he was confident that the war against police killings would be won.

"We shall persist in addressing the dangers that face our members on a daily basis and to find ways to protect them," he said.