As criminals continue to wage war against the country’s men and women and blue, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is backing police officers “who respond with authority and power vested upon them in the fight against crime.”

An alarming 21 police officials have been killed in the line of duty since 1 April 2024.

Police top brass say the modus operandi is encouraged following numerous events where heavily armed and dangerous transgressors across the country have disregarded the law and engage in deadly shootouts with police.

Police officers must deal decisively with criminals. That’s the word from National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. He says police powers are protected by legislation. Since April last year, 21 officers have been killed in the line of duty. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/SedbQlNv6A

— eNCA (@eNCA) March 25, 2025

“For as long as criminals attack police officers, the police will respond decisively as empowered by relevant legislation that governs the work of the police,” said Masemola.

He maintains that the onus is on police to exercise authority and to restore law and order. For this reason, he says, any brazen attempt to break the law or launch an attack on officers will be addressed accordingly with authority by capable members of the SAPS.

“Police have observed with concern, statements issued in defence of criminals and questionable silence when police officers are killed in the line of duty including community members, who are always at risk and at times killed as innocent bystanders,” Masemola added.

Community members have been urged to report criminal activities to their nearest police station, Crime Stop 08600 10111, the National Extortion Hotline 0800 911 011, or to leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS APP.

To restore law and order should be the main focus in the fight against crime.

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