Anybody who attacks or kills a police officer will face the full might of the law. In fact, the killing of members of the law enforcement agencies, especially the police is a direct threat to our hard-won Constitutional democracy; a threat that should not be taken lightly by society.

This is a stern warning from the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa in reaction to the death of an Ekurhuleni Metro police officer this past weekend at Daveyton.  Preliminary reports indicate that the officer went out to enforce by-laws and whilst on duty a confrontation ensued when police tried to impound an illegally operating caravan.  Reports further indicate that the owner of the caravan allegedly confronted the police as they were about to remove it from the pavement, which contravened the Ekurhuleni by-laws.  The owner then punched the officer who fell backwards and hit his head hard on the ground.  He was later declared dead.

The Minister stressed that police officers do not require permission from criminals to perform their duties because such a mandate is Constitutionally-enshrined.  He emphasized that any person who impedes police in carrying their duties, will face a charge of obstruction of justice.
“Whilst we have been consistent in condemning police brutality, we shall not tolerate any provocation of police officers when they perform their duties.  There is no carte blanche to say people must attack police, hence we shall deal with such elements decisively and unapologetically.  So whoever wants to test the wrath of the law, will meet its sting.” 

The Minister also raised a concern about the seemingly deafening silence from some of the regular commentators, analysts, political opposition parties and social commentators around this officers’ death. “Where is the condemnation that normally accompanies police brutality?  Has a life of a police officer in modern democracy been reduced to insignificance?  We shall continue to fight crime, within the confines of the law.  Coupled with this is our unmovable stance on community-policing philosophy.”

Minister Mthethwa reiterated government’s uncompromising stance of fighting crime, smartly and toughly.  “Almost each week we are criss-crossing the country, urging communities to partner with the police and we have received significant support and undertakings on this quest.  We shall therefore not allow a minority of people who think they can attack or provoke our officers.  We shall not tolerate any such lawlessness which is unjustifiable.”

He urged society to respect police officers and vice versa.  “In the final analysis, police should take the lead in keeping with their Constitutional mandate of honest, dedicated, selfless sacrifice and service to society.  Equally, our policing philosophy is primarily embedded in the close cooperation between police and all spheres of society. The active involvement of community structures, in local projects like community patrol groups, contributes towards decreasing crime in general.

Minister Mthethwa thanked police for acting swiftly in arresting the suspect.  He further urged society not to support people who disturb public order and that they should be intolerant to such people as they would be to some police officers who brutalize members of society. 

The suspect will appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court today.

For enquiries, please contact:

Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police 082 045 4024
NATIONAL MEDIA CENTRE
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service
Office:+27 12-4006579 /6629 /6576
Fax: +27 12 - 400 7018