Deputy President Paul Mashatile has sent a stern warning to criminals found guilty of killing police officers, adding that they will face the full might of the law for attacking the country’s men and women in blue.
Mashatile was delivering a keynote address at the SAPS Commemoration Day in Pretoria, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The event was attended by the acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, senior police top brass and the officer’s family members.
“We are intensifying efforts to ensure your safety and to equip you adequately for the fight against crime.
We are resourcing specialised units, investing in advanced technology, strengthening intelligence, and tightening laws to deal decisively with those who target police officers.
Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law.
We want to make sure that even touching a Police Officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” warned Mashatile.
Twenty-seven police officers lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year, compared to 39 who were killed last year, bringing the figure to 66 police officers killed in just two years.
Mashatile said these statistics are alarming and reveals the merciless nature of the criminals that the police confront during their work.
He conveyed the government’s deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen officers, and he expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices made by the officers.
“To the families gathered here, especially the spouses who now carry the heavy burden of grief, we say: South Africa shares in your sorrow.
We know that your loss cannot be measured, for it is a wound that will never fully heal.
To the children of our fallen Officers, some of whom sit before us today, we say: your pain is our pain.
Please be aware that your parents died as heroes and heroines, and their sacrifices are acknowledged by the whole country,” said Mashatile.
He cited organised crime, drug trafficking syndicates, gangs and other forms of organised crime, as a growing criminal challenge in the country.
He urged members to protect themselves in the line of duty, adding that they must “use force that is proportional to the threat that they face.”
The deputy president also cautioned officers involved in criminals’ activities and those colluding with criminals.
“We are also greatly concerned by reports of collusion between some of our own members and criminals.
We encourage all of you to uncover wrongdoing inside your ranks, regardless of who is involved.
As a nation, we rely on the SAPS to ensure that there is peace and order,” remarked Mashatile.
Meanwhile, Cachalia said the killing of a police officer must be declared a crime against the state.
“The loss of a police officer is not only a loss to their family, their colleagues, or their community, it is a profound loss to the entire nation and should be considered as a crime against the state.
These men and women stood on the frontlines of our democracy, protecting our people and upholding the rule of law, in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances,” said Cachalia.
