SAPS confirms that 109 police officers were killed in 11 months

Police Minister Bheki Cele has called on police officers to protect themselves as killings continue unabated.

Cele says no police officer should die with a gun in their hand.

BHEKI CELE URGES POLICE OFFICERS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES

Cele held a briefing in Tshwane, on police take down operations on Sunday, 7 April. He revealed that 109 members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have been killed in the last 11 months.

Cele said while the majority of the members died off duty, at least 36 police officers were killed during the commission of their policing work, such as confrontation with brutal and armed criminals.

Through investigative work conducted by the (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) DPCI, 83 suspects have been arrested in connection with the police killings.

Furthermore, Cele said the Police Ministry and SAPS management have noted the ongoing public discourse on police takedowns that have resulted in the loss of lives of suspects.

Cele said the death of any individual in the country, criminal or not, should never be a cause for celebration. However, with some in society doing so, following the takedown of the armed gangs in KZN and Mpumalanga this week- speaks volumes.

“However, an independent directorate is there to investigate the actions of the police in such cases. We wish to allow those processes to unfold.

“With that said, the Ministry and SAPS management remains resolute in its support for the men and women in blue who are at the coalface of hardened criminals,” he said.

“Our message is clear: no police officer should die with a gun in their hand. We call on the police to remain vigilant and protect communities and themselves.

“At all times, act tough on crime. While you do so, this administration will continue its efforts to improve your work conditions and overall wellness as you serve the country and its people,” he added.

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