POLICE Minister Bheki Cele says it's important for the police to be fit.
He said the police celebrate the annual National Police Day on 27 January, but due to other commitments it was celebrated on 15 February.
The men and women in blue celebrated National Police Day at the SAPS Tshwane Academy.
Cele said a good body and a good fitness produce a good mind.
"Don't allow stress take over. Be above stress to be able to serve your community.
"As a police officer, you need to stay fit. It's not good to see untrained police officers. Your body must tell a story," he said.
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He also said gender-based violence must be a priority, adding that the police were doing a good job because correctional facilities were full.
"These people didn't ask to be arrested. They were sent there by the police.
"We have excellent criminal investigators. It can't be normal for us to bury a member of the police force every weekend," he said.
He said the police were called to defend, protect and serve.
"And we give these tools to the police not to show off but use them in fighting crime," Cele said.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said they were honouring hard workers.
"We're gathered here to reset, recharge and take charge. Police, this is your day, enjoy it."
Sapu acting president Thandi Mkhize said: "It's becoming increasingly meaningless to function well on the ground as the police continue to be the target of brutal and ruthless killers. I complain about poor working conditions and compensation. Our members continue to suffer on a daily basis."
Sanlam representative Tendani Matshisevhe said: "We know that the work of the police is not easy. It's a thankless job where the police are criticised by the community, but they still do it with flying colours."
Hawks spokeswoman Thandi Mbambo said: "We feel appreciated. The kind of work we do as the Hawks is complex and difficult."
Constable Vutlharhi Mathebula said: "I'm happy, it was not easy, but we made the race."
Deputy Police Minister, Cassel Mathale, National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant-General Advocate Godfrey Lebeya, and other senior police officers were present at the event.
