Cele: If you declare war, you will get war

Cele was speaking at a police parade in Pretoria on Friday, where National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole formally welcomed him. 

Speaking to the assembled police officers, Cele assured law-abiding South Africans that they have no reason to fear the police. 

"We are not at war with the community of South Africa, and we shall never be at war with the community of South Africa."

"But I want to say whoever declares war against us, against the innocent community, against women against children and the elderly, they will get war. 

"You want war, you will get war, you want peace, you will get peace."

ALSO READ: [VIDEO] South Africans should feel safe: Bheki Cele

Cele also warned criminals not to take on the police. 

"If you decide to engage in war with us, I can assure you that there will only be one side that will survive and that side is us."

Sitole also applauded the work done by police officers following the eNgcobo massacre in the Eastern Cape.

"When suspects tried to undermine police, police charged on them," Sitole said.

Last week, a police task team swooped on members from the Seven Angel church, who were allegedly involved in the brutal killing of five police officers and a retired soldier.

Seven suspects were killed during a gun battle with the police and ten others arrested.