08 March 2018

The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele commends and applauds police action in apprehending the suspects that killed Captain Mhlanzi who was buried in Umsinga in KwaZulu-Natal this past Sunday. A specialized team led by Members of the National Intervention Unit exchanged fire with the suspects in KwaMashu yesterday which resulted in the killing of 3 suspects and two of them arrested.

The suspects were heavily armed and were also found in possession of a number of high powered firearms including that of the late Captain Mhlanzi. Minister Cele wishes to further encourage the police to hold firm to the ideals of Serve and Protect. "Police action will continue to be tough and hard on dangerous criminals, they must retreat or regret; the energy levels of police action have been reloaded from that of a smaller engine to the top notch engine capacity" said Cele

"Police must regain public confidence and our communities must be safe and feel safe. The time has come for criminals to understand the fearless police language and begin to seriously respect the dignified blue" Cele added. Meanwhile Minister Cele issued a stern warning to police officers who intimidates and insults victims of crime. This follows an incident in Midrand police station where a woman was badly treated by police officers. Swift action was taken against the officers who were allegedly implicated in the incidence and all three were suspended with immediate effect pending SAPS disciplinary process.

"Police officers at station level are at the critical point of service delivery and therefore their service must always be on point, any officer found to be ill-treating victims of crime will be dealt with accordingly through police discipline, let us continue to Serve and Protect" Cele concluded.

Media Contact:
Nonkululeko Phokane
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