Cops must ensure police have a clean image: Mthethwa

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has called on police to police each other to ensure law enforcement agents in the country had a clean image.

"We have a duty to ensure that those few among us who engage in criminal acts, who engage in brutality of those they are supposed to serve and protect, are isolated among us," Mthethwa said.

Mthethwa said police had an obligation and duty to police each other because negative images of police brutality were seen worldwide.

"We've got to reach a point where we say what you are doing is wrong, dragging the beautiful name of the South African Police Service. You don't belong here," he said.

Mthethwa was addressing security officers ahead of the fifth Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) summit in Durban.

He encouraged them to work with dedication during and after the summit.

"What is important for us is that everyone who comes to SA should feel, and be safe. What will make them to be like that is the level of preparedness and dedication you will be putting in your job," Mthethwa said.

He said if other people felt safe and secure in South Africa they would be encouraged to invest in the country and that would help the government reduce unemployment and poverty.

About 3000 law enforcement agents have been deployed to the Brics summit.

The summit will be hosted at the iNkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from March 26 to 27.

Brics is an economic bloc representing five of the world's leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.