Special fund for dead cops' children

2010-09-05 20:08

Johannesburg - The SA Police Service (SAPS) plans to launch an education trust fund for children of police officials who have died in the line of duty, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Sunday.

"We find it appropriate to announce this first-of-its kind initiative within the SAPS on this day," Mthethwa said in prepared remarks for the SAPS national commemoration service at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

He said that it had come to his attention that many police died while they were still young and had served the force for less than ten years.

This meant that the pension payout and policy benefits to the deceased's family were not enough to sustain the widow, widower or the children, he said.

"The criteria in terms of permissibility into this trust fund will be voluntary but consideration will be on the neediest... we will strive to ensure that strict corporate governance guidelines are adhered to ," he said.

The minister planned to draw from both the public and private sector for expertise that would ensure the intended funds benefited the right children.

A few private sector institutions had already expressed interest in partnerships with the fund, Mthethwa said.

The trust fund planned to be fully operational by January 2011.

Mthethwa said the trust fund formed part of various human resource developments that were set to take place in the future.

- SAPA