By Phenyo Selinda
Cape Town, South Africa – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed deep concern over the rising number of police officers losing their lives at the hands of criminals, stating that it “can no longer be business as usual.” This comes after 39 police officers were killed in the line of duty between April 2023 and March 2024. The Deputy President delivered these remarks during a recent session in the National Assembly, addressing Parliamentarians on the government’s efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel.
Mashatile emphasized that the loss of police officers not only threatens the functionality of the South African Police Service (SAPS) but also national security. “An attack on the police is an attack on the state itself,” he declared, describing such violence as tantamount to treason .
Honouring the Fallen
The Deputy President had earlier led the annual SAPS National Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where the names of the 39 fallen officers were engraved on the SAPS memorial wall as a sign of gratitude for their sacrifices. “These brave men and women laid down their lives in service to the Republic, and we will forever honour their contribution,” Mashatile said during the ceremony .
Crime Concentration and Government’s Response
In addition to honouring the deceased officers, Mashatile provided Parliament with an update on the country’s crime levels. He highlighted that four provinces—Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape—currently account for 73% of the country’s overall crime rate. This concentration of criminal activities, particularly extortion and violent crime, has prompted a renewed effort by the government to tackle crime more effectively.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has introduced an integrated approach, which includes “cooperative agreements between provincial and local governments, as well as partnerships with Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and private security companies.” These partnerships are aimed at bolstering the country’s policing capacity, especially in high-crime areas .
New Policing Strategies
Among the key measures being implemented is the Police Operational Plan, which is currently being piloted in Cape Town and is set to be rolled out across other metropolitan areas. This plan seeks to enhance law enforcement’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to violent crimes, especially those involving confrontations between police officers and criminals.
Moreover, Mashatile referenced National Instruction 1 of 2016, which regulates the use of force by police officers during arrests. This legal framework is crucial in ensuring that law enforcement officials act within the confines of the law while protecting themselves and the public .
Community Engagement is Essential
One of the primary messages from Mashatile’s address was the call for greater community involvement in fighting crime. He reiterated that “criminals live within our communities, and residents often know who they are.” Mashatile urged citizens to provide information to the police to prevent further loss of life, stressing the importance of strengthening CPFs .
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