Masemola: Cops will use lethal force against criminals
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has hit back at criticism over the use of lethal force by officers in the fight against crime.
His statement follows several incidents where suspects were shot and killed by police officers.
“For as long as criminals attack police officers, the police will respond decisively as empowered by relevant legislation that governs the work of the police,” Masemola said in a statement on Tuesday.
In the 2024/25 period, 38 police officers lost their lives in the line of duty. Between July and September 2024, 17 officers were killed, four of whom were on duty.
“The number increased to 21 from October to December 2024, including nine officers who were killed while on duty. These tragic deaths have prompted authorities to prioritise the issue as a serious concern. Over this period, 30 suspects were arrested, leading to 22 life sentences and an additional 725 years of imprisonment for those convicted,” Masemola explained.
“Police have observed with concern statements issued in defence of criminals and questionable silence when police officers are killed in the line of duty, including community members, who are always at risk and at times killed as innocent bystanders.”
Twenty-one police officers have been killed in the line of duty since April 2024, a statistic that Masemola said demands more support from communities and civil society.
“It is the responsibility of the police to stamp the authority of the state and maintain law and order. Therefore, any act of lawlessness and brazen attacks on police and community members at crime scenes will be appropriately addressed with authority by capable members of the SAPS,” Masemola emphasised, adding that the police are making strides in ridding the country of violent and dangerous criminals.
“Police officers across the country continue to work efficiently and effectively in fighting crime. Since the inception of the high-density Operation Shanela, over 1.2 million people have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery aggravating amongst others,” the commissioner said.
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