Speaker notes by the National Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega on police killings, Gauteng SAPS Provincial Office
As the management of the police, the death of police officials is something which concerns us immensely. The phenomenon of the killing of police members is closely linked to the stance we have taken as police management to reclaim our streets from the criminal element and also to the conduct of our members when they are not on duty.
Our police officials are killed when attending to crime scenes and they are also targeted for their firearms, as well as the investigations they are doing. Police work is stressful and dangerous.
Also, we know that officers are part of the community and when they are off duty they need to socialise. Sometimes, whilst they are enjoying themselves with friends at places of entertainment, they are murdered. Our message to our members is if they are going out to party with friends and know they will be drinking, they should not take their firearms with them. They should be responsible, vigilant and not over-indulge, because they know that duty might call at any moment.
I want the nation to know that we are not sitting by idly whilst the killing of our officials is taking place. When our police brothers and sisters are killed, and so tragically lost, it is no different from losing a close family member. We are hurting as the police. The friends and families of the slain police officers are in pain and so is the entire nation.
But our message to the criminals is a simple and clear one: If the criminals think we are going to back down, then they have another thing coming. We are pushing back, arresting them and bringing them to justice. By so doing, we are ensuring that those who have passed on did not die in vain.
I want to reiterate a message to my members who are at the coalface, having to deal with these dangerous criminals daily. I know that you are criticised a lot and I know that it is not easy leaving your home to book on duty, not sure if you will return to your family at the end of your shift.
If you feel that you are struggling to cope, you need someone to come to help you, do not be shy. Cowboys do and must cry once in a while. It is a sign of strength. It is a sign that you are human. Seek help, for it is available to you. We are in this together and we will not abandon you when you are going through a difficult time.
I have had many discussions with survivors of police attacks. I know how dangerous it is out there. But whatever the situation, use the training and equipment we have provided. Make sure that you, your colleagues and members of the public come out of any situation alive. Work within the law and do not be afraid.
If you work within the law, you will not be arrested and you will not be disciplined.
If anyone takes action against you, as management, we will fight for you, right up to the highest court in the land. Do not fear the criminals. They are the ones who must fear us.
Some of the other things we are doing include:
- Implementation of special training measures focussing on refresher training for operational members in affected provinces.
- Unannounced assessments to be conducted at all police stations in affected provinces where incidents occurred to assess compliance with National Instructions and Standing Orders, as well as to identify challenges relating to the safety of police members.
- National Police Safety Workshop to be held targeting the Commanders of the most affected provinces as priority.
- Road shows to address all operational members in affected provinces to be held.
- Community outreach programmes and interventions to enhance awareness on police safety to be conducted.
- Implementation of Police Safety Month during September.
- Spiritual Services’ interventions to address the moral fibre in communities.
- Police station security assessments to determine security needs and threats.
- Regular docket and threat analyses.
- Introduction of harsh sentences for police killings as a deterrent.
