Mthethwa tackles cop killings

04 September 2011 - 03:56 By MONICA LAGANPARSAD
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The high number of cop killings is a "national threat" according to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa - and must be categorised as a "priority crime".

Mthethwa revealed to the Sunday Times details of his 10-point action plan aimed at protecting SA's cops.

''This includes (improved) firearm handling as well as ensuring that police officers who respond to crime scenes are fully equipped with bullet proof vests. We will be closely monitoring this process and will hold management accountable for their training," Mthethwa warned.

He said the force must strengthen its partnership with researchers to review practices on police killings.

''Continuous training, including extra vigilance at all times, is now a focused priority. To this end we also emphasise that officers need to treat each crime call-up as serious."

Three months ago Mthethwa convened a national summit on police killings. Research, he said, revealed that most died in the line of duty.

The statistics also showed that;

  • 20% of those killed were responding to a crime;
  • 4% were killed by a colleague;
  •  2% died in domestic disputes; and,
  • 8% were killed for their weapons.

Mthethwa said the deaths were traumatic on colleagues. He said in some cases officers were hesitant to fire their weapons. ''It's not an easy matter to live with when you have killed somebody, no matter how justifiable it is ... if people know it is easy to kill a policeman nobody will respect them. I want police to respond to fire with fire."

He also said the image of the police needed to be "worked on" and that there should be more interaction with the public . '' We have galvanised support across the board to boost the morale of the police. To see people killed can't be a laughing matter. "

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