Mbalula: 'Shoot back! Don't retreat'
Newly-appointed Police Minister Fikile Mbalula says under his leadership, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will not be soft on criminals.
Mbalula replaced Nathi Nhleko as Police Minister following last week's dramatic cabinet reshuffle.
Mbalula served as Deputy Minister of Police between 2009 and 2010.
The minister told SAPS officers that South Africans should not be terrorised by crime and criminals and that no police officer should die in vain.
"Shoot back! Don't retreat. We are tired of burying crime fighters," said Mbalula.
Mbalula warned criminals that their days are numbered.
"If you are in the peril of criminals, get out of there. When we get you, you will face the consequences. I'm going to pay attention to the human resource, the happiness of the police - not with the razzmatazz," said Mbalula.
Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, hosted a parade to officially welcome Mbalula and his deputy, Bongani Mkongi at the Tshwane Academy in Pretoria West.
#sapsHQ SAPS #AirWing put on a display of skill during a fly past at the #PoliceMinistry welcoming parade. ME pic.twitter.com/9jLWS8BfjU
— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) April 4, 2017
