Police killings: Minister must ensure protection and safety

28 November 2016

The DA sends it condolences to the families of the three slain police officers who were killed in the line of duty this past week. We further wish a speedy recovery to the police officers currently in hospital suffering from injuries sustained in the field.

It is deeply concerning that media reports have revealed the cause of the increased deaths continues to be a lack of protective gear and competency training.

We will be urging the Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko to urgently intervene as the political head of the SAPS and ensure that police officers are adequately protected and equipped when on duty in the field by:

- Ensuring no police officers enters the field without a bullet proof vest;

- Ensuring that all police officers carrying a firearm have successful passed requisite field training;

- Ensuring that police officers entering high-risk zones do so with adequate back-up readily at hand.

Police Officers are the core defenders of South Africa's law and order and it should be a primary focus by the SAPS that they are adequately protected.

The DA will continue to do everything possible to ensure that our police officers are properly equipped to fight crime, without bringing their own lives into jeopardy. We owe this to our courageous police service men  and women.

Issued by Zakhele Mbhele, DA Shadow Minister of Police, 28 November 2016