Bheki Cele, the police minister, has advised officers to act decisively when faced by criminals in order to avoid jeopardizing their own safety.
On Tuesday, Cele spoke of the desperation of some criminals who would not hesitate to kill a police officer in pursuit of what they want, speaking at a police parade in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, at the commencement of the safer festive season inspection tour.
"Police officers, you are the country's assets; while you are alive and well, you are beneficial to the country." This festive season, I'm making a call to all of you: when enforcing the law, defend yourself as required by the law.
"Simply simply, don't hesitate when challenged by gun-toting criminals," Cele added. "When a criminal pulls a gun on you, the only thing that will happen is you will be shot and perhaps murdered."
According to national crime data for the fiscal year 2020/2021, 80 police personnel were killed while on and off duty, according to the police ministry.
According to the report, 17 members were slain in the Eastern Cape, second only to KwaZulu-Natal, which saw 21 police murders.
Cele, deputy minister Cassel Mathale, national police commissioner Gen Khehla Sitole, and SAPS senior management examined the province's operational plan for the holiday season during the inspection tour in Mthatha on Tuesday.
