KEY POINTS
- Police officers are empowered to respond decisively during criminal attacks.
- Recent deadly shootouts, including one in Soshanguve, highlight the threat.
- 21 officers killed in the line of duty since April 2024.
Police officers who react “decisively” during shootouts with criminals have been defended by National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola, who has emphasized that officers are empowered by applicable laws to protect the public and themselves.
Police commissioner defends decisive action during shootouts
Masemola’s remarks follow a string of recent instances where criminals and police personnel engaged in fatal shootouts. During a recent altercation with a group of people at the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve, north of Tshwane, six community patrollers were shot dead and partially burned. The attack, which caused the community to suffer terrible losses, has spurred more discussion on how police should behave in violent conflicts.
During a news briefing, Masemola declared, “Police will respond decisively as empowered by relevant legislation governing police work, as long as criminals attack police officers.” He also voiced concern over the “questionable silence” surrounding police officer deaths while on duty and the growing tendency of media defense of offenders. According to Masemola, many innocent bystanders are slain, and community members who are frequently caught in the crossfire are also at risk.
Masemola urges support for officers following alarming deaths
Masemola went on to say, “The police have a duty to uphold law and order and assert state authority.” “Capable members of the SA Police Service will appropriately and authoritatively address any act of lawlessness and blatant attacks on police and community members at crime scenes.”
Masemola commended police officers nationwide for their efforts, saying they are still fighting crime successfully and efficiently. He also emphasized the accomplishments of Operation Shanela, which since its start has resulted in the arrest of almost 1.2 million people for a variety of offenses.
According to Timeslive, Masemola further stated that since April 2024, 21 police personnel have lost their lives while performing their duties. He referred to this as a concerning statistic and urged the public and civil society to support law enforcement in their efforts to combat serious crimes.
