Criminals must fear you, Cele tells police
Police Minister Bheki Cele wants police officers to create fear among criminals and those who disregard the rule of law.
He was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a police safety campaign in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg on Friday morning.
Cele said while criminals should fear police offices, he also wants them to earn the respect of members of the community.
"Criminals must fear you. Criminals must spend sleepless nights, and when they wake up, they must say 'thank you, sir'."
Cele said close 1544 new officers had been added to the provincial police force.
"As the time comes surely more officers will be shifted to the coastal provinces, as you know that the country also shifts there."
Cele said while criminals should fear police offices, he also wants them to earn the respect of members of the community.
"Criminals must fear you. Criminals must spend sleepless nights, and when they wake up, they must say 'thank you, sir'."
Cele said close 1544 new officers had been added to the provincial police force.
"As the time comes surely more officers will be shifted to the coastal provinces, as you know that the country also shifts there."
Cele added that no police officers would be allowed to take leave during the festive period.
Listen to Cele below: