Mbalula defends use of strong language against criminals
Police minister Fikile Mbalula has denied that his use of strong language against criminals will lead to the use of excessive force by officers.
Mbalula was questioned on his use of crude language when he announced the appointment of former Judge President Frans Kgomo to investigate allegations of wrongdoing against the Hawks.
This after he was earlier quoted as saying "the balls" of criminals must be squeezed.
Speaking in Cape Town, Mbalula denied that his language will drive violence among police officers.
" I didn't talk about testicles. I said (sports) balls. And then squeeze the balls, it is figurative... It does not mean we must kill people. You must make it unbearable for those who practice crime to basically have a space to manoeuvre.
"Combat is accompanied by a combat language and that is what I do. I am instructing them that they are acting on our behalf and they have out support and 'squeeze them'."
Mbalula's use of language has also been strongly criticised by police unions, but the minister says he won't back down.
"We have combative and normal policing. I am talking a combat language. I am talking a combative strategy. When you talk about TRT, when you talk about task force, when you talk about NIU, those are combat units.
"They don't come to you and smile. We come there to resolve a problem of armed men and women who are terrorising society. And then I release them to resolve a combat situation.