DailySun
Johannesburg – The police have refuted claims of being “trigger-happy” and have issued a firm warning to violent criminals that they will face the full weight of the law.
In a response to criticism on Tuesday, (25 March 2025), the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, expressed robust support for police officers who act with the “authority and power vested in them while combating crime.”
He noted that there have been “many incidents across various provinces where heavily armed and dangerous criminals openly disregard the law, commit heinous acts, and subsequently engage in life-threatening shootouts with police.”
Following the deaths of nine suspected criminals in gun battles with police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) last year, constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos raised concerns regarding the heavy-handed tactics of law enforcement.
De Vos emphasized that while police are justified in defending themselves, this does not excuse the indiscriminate killing of civilians who may or may not be accurately identified as suspects.
Media reports revealed that in 2024, more than 120 alleged criminals were shot and killed during confrontations with police in KZN.
Moreover, various other suspects have died in shootouts with police across different provinces.
Regardless, General Masemola stated on Tuesday, (25 March 2025), “As long as criminals persist in attacking police officers, the police will respond decisively, empowered by the relevant legal framework that governs their operations.”
“The police have noted with concern the statements made in defense of criminals and the disturbing silence when police officers, along with innocent bystanders, fall victim to violence in the line of duty.”
General Masemola referenced Section 205 of the South African Constitution, which obliges the SAPS to prevent, investigate, and combat crime, maintain public order, safeguard citizens and their property, and uphold and enforce the law.
“Since 1 April 2024, 21 police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty,” lamented General Masemola.
“This worrying statistic calls on community members and civil society to join forces with the police in the battle against life-threatening criminal activities.”
“It is the police’s responsibility to uphold the authority of the state and ensure law and order.”
General Masemola warned that “any acts of lawlessness and open assaults” on police and community members at crime scenes will be “dealt with appropriately by competent members of the SAPS.”
He affirmed that police officers throughout the nation continue to operate efficiently and effectively in the fight against crime.
General Masemola disclosed that since the initiation of high-density Operation Shanela, over 1.2 million individuals have been arrested for various offenses, including murder, attempted murder, rape, and aggravated robbery, among others.
Community members are urged to report criminal activities to their nearest police station, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, the National Extortion Hotline at 0800 911 011, or submit an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS APP.
