Police do not have a licence to kill
I have noted continuing media reports about the use of force by the police, which has at times led to the tragic loss of life, including the lives of children. No police officer has permission to shoot suspects in circumstances other than those provided for by law. The law does not give the police a licence to kill.
Comments that I and other government leaders have made about the need to clarify the conditions under which police may use lethal force in no way constitute an instruction to deviate from what is contained in law.
I am concerned by the tendency to reduce government's anti-crime strategy to the amendment of Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, has made this point repeatedly, that our strategy is comprehensive and effective.
Our government has placed crime at the top of its agenda. We want to reduce serious and violent crimes by the set target of 7% to 10% per annum.
We have moved a step ahead to implement some of the undertakings made in the State of the Nation address to revamp the criminal justice system. The South African Police Service (SAPS) personnel will be increased from 180 182 to 204 860 over the next three years. This year alone, the number of detectives will increase by more than 19%. We do not want criminals to walk free due to the inability to provide technical and scientific capability. We are working to improve the efficiency of the courts and the performance of prosecutors and to enhance detective, forensic and intelligence services.
Given the comprehensive nature of our fight against crime, it is tragically misleading to reduce our strategy and activities to the amendment of a section of one law. We have stated our position very clearly. It is the duty of the police to protect all people against injury or loss of life. But when their lives or the lives of innocent civilians are threatened, police sometimes have no choice but to use lethal force to defend themselves and others. However, we expect our police officers to observe the law and respect the rights of innocent citizens, at all times. No police officer has a licence to kill.
We urge all sectors of our society to work with government to bring down the levels of crime, and ensure that we build safer communities.
Working together we will win the war against crime.
Enquiries:
Vincent Magwenya
Cell: 072 715 0024
Zingaphi Jakuja
Cell: 082 766 3940
Tel: 012 300 5438
Fax: 086 683 5438
E-mail: zingaphi@po.gov.za or zingaphij@mobileemail.vodafonesa.co.za
Issued by: The Presidency
13 November 2009
