Police minister Bheki Cele has urged police officers to act decisively when confronted by criminals and not compromise their safety.
While he was addressing the police parade in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape at the start of the Safer Festive Season Inspection Tour on Tuesday, Cele warned officers against the fact that armed criminals would not hesitate to fire and end the life of a police officer.
Acording to the 2020/2021 National Crime Statistics, 80 officers were killed on and off duty and seventeen of those were killed in the Eastern Cape, while KwaZulu-Natal recorded 21 police murders.
Bheki Cele emphasized to police officers to be cautious of criminals who are hardened and armed criminals.
Cele made a strong call on police to clamp down on violent crimes, including sexual offences, which usually occur during social gatherings and other festivities associated with the holiday season.
“Police officers, you are the country’s assets, you are useful to the country when you are alive and well. I’m making a call to all of you this festive season, while enforcing the law, to protect yourself as stipulated by the law.
Sources: News24
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