The Inkatha Freedom Party ondemned the acts of the police during the hostel raids in Soweto.

"We as the IFP strongly believe that our community has to protect the SAPS, yet it is also their duty to protect us," said IFP spokesman Vincent Shange in a statement.

Even though the IFP condemned the killing of the police at the Mzimhlophe hostel, "police are now harassing the hostel residents, people are injured, some admitted at hospitals".

Sixteen people had been arrested during police raids since Tuesday after police cordoned off Dube, Nancefield, Meadowlands and Merafe hostels, Senior Superintendent Vish Naidoo said.

"We are shocked to see our National Commissioner, Mr Bheki Cele, today who was not even willing to speak to the leadership within the hostels. He was too big for his position," Shange said.

He said the minister should take note that not only people within the hostels committed crime, but also those within the township.

"Some people come from the townships and commit crime within the hostels."

Shange said the IFP appealed to police to look for the criminals who killed the police at the Mzimhlophe hostel, but not to harass everyone who was residing at hostel.

In response to reports of excessive force used during the raids, Cele said, speaking at a media briefing in Soweto on Tuesday, that if that were true it was "unfortunate."

He said that if this took place, people affected should open cases with the Independent Complaints Directorate or the police.

From April 5, 2009 up to the end of March 31, 2010 a total of 107 police officers were killed in the line of duty nationally, Naidoo said.

Cele said "it is a concern" and that it looked like police were being targeted.

However police were working with the community in dealing with these crimes and he said they were "very sure" they would soon find the answers

Naidoo said Cele visited the families of the two offices who were shot and killed on Sunday.

Warrant Officer Dzialwa Reuben Kundwani, 48, and Constable Letjeku Abel Thenga, 25, were killed at Mzimhlope hostel in Soweto just before 8pm, Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said last week.

The officers were both shot in the upper body and died at the scene.

"It is believed that the motive for the killing might have been robbery as their service pistols were stolen."

Naidoo said the 16 men were arrested because they were wanted for crimes including business and ATM bombings.

"The reason for targeting these hostels is because of past experience and intelligence. There were reports that these places harbour perpetrators," Naidoo said.

Police confiscated 12 firearms, 500 rounds of ammunition were confiscated, three vehicles were recovered at 22 vehicle checkpoints, and two shebeens were closed down.

"The abuse of alcohol is one of the biggest contributing factors of crime."

Police also recovered a police and an army uniform.

Naidoo said the operations officially started on November 4 and would run until the end of January when it would be reviewed.

The National Commissioner would visit all the provinces, Naidoo said.