South African Police Service

The South African Police Service (SAPS) was established in January 1995 by amalgamating the SA Police, the Bophuthatswana Police, the Ciskei Police, the Gazankulu Police, the KaNgwane Police, the KwaNdebele Police, the KwaZulu Police, the Lebowa Police, the QwaQwa Police, the Transkei Police, and the Venda Police.

The SAPS took over the former SAP decorations and medals, and used them until a new series of awards was instituted in May 2004. It consists of ten awards for SAP members, and one for police dogs and horses.

SAPS Gold Cross for Bravery (PCFG) (2004-)
To be awarded for outstanding bravery in extreme danger, in the line of duty or in protecting or saving life or property.

Insignia: A gold cross pattee with rays and crossed swords between the arms, displaying the SAPS badge (obverse).

SAPS Silver Cross for Bravery (PCFG) (2004-)
To be awarded for exceptional bravery in very dangerous circumstances, in the line of duty or in protecting or saving life or property.

Insignia: Same design as the PCFG, but in silver.

SAPS Gold Medal for Outstanding Service (SOEG) (2004-)
Awarded to senior officers (assistant commissioner and higher) for particularly meritorious or exemplary service, or outstanding resource-fulness, leadership, sense of duty, and example.

Insignia: A 9-sided silver-gilt medal displaying an aloe plant on a blue nonagon in the centre of a 9-pointed star (obverse).

SAPS Silver Medal for Outstanding Service (SOES) (2004-)
Awarded to SAPS personnel below the rank of assistant commissioner, for particularly meritorious or exemplary service, or outstanding resource-fulness, leadership, sense of duty, and example.

Insignia: Same design as the SOEG, but in silver.

SAPS Commendation Medal (2004-)
For (i) particularly meritorious or exemplary service, or outstanding resourcefulness and sense of duty and example or (ii) risk of life in protecting or saving life or property in dangerous circumstances.

Insignia: A circular silver medal displaying the SAPS badge on a white roundel on a 4-pointed star on a laurel wreath (obverse).

SAPS Ten Year Anniversary Commemoration Medal (2004-)
Awarded to SAPS members and civilian employees to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the formation of the SAPS.

Insignia: A bronze 10-sided medal displaying the SA coat of arms, crossed flags, and "1995-2005" (obverse) and the SAPS emblem and "South African Police Ten Year Commemoration Medal" (reverse).

SAPS Forty Year Loyal Service Medal (2004-)
For 40 years irreproachable service and exemplary conduct.

Insignia: An octagonal gold medal displaying the SAPS badge on a blue roundel on a 4-pointed star on a laurel wreath (obverse).

SAPS Thirty Year Loyal Service Medal (2004-)
For 30 years irreproachable service and exemplary conduct.

Insignia: A 9-sided silver medal displaying an aloe plant on a blue cartouche on an 8-pointed star on a laurel wreath (obverse).

SAPS Twenty Year Loyal Service Medal (2004-)
For 20 years irreproachable service and exemplary conduct.

Insignia: Same design as the 30-year medal.

SAPS Ten Year Loyal Service Medal (2004-)
For 10 years irreproachable service and exemplary conduct.

Insignia: A 9-sided bronze medal, displaying the secretary-bird crest of the national coat of arms over two sprays of laurel leaves (obverse).

SAPS Canine and Equine Star for Bravery (2004-)
To be awarded to SAPS dogs and horses for bravery in dangerous circumstances in the line of duty or in protecting or saving life or property.

Insignia: A 9-sided silver-gilt medal depicting the heads of a German Shepherd dog and a horse on a silver nonagon on an 8-pointed star on a laurel wreath (obverse).