Acting President Mashatile says attacks on Police are attacks on the State

Acting President Paul Mashatile has made it unequivocally clear that any attacks on the South African Police Service (SAPS) constitute an attack on the state itself.

In a powerful address at the SAPS National Commemoration Day held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Mashatile stressed that such acts are equivalent to treason and should be met with decisive and unwavering action from the government.

The event, a sombre occasion, was dedicated to honoring the 39 women and men in blue who lost their lives in the line of duty between April 2023 and March 2024.

The names of these fallen officers have been engraved on the SAPS memorial wall at the Union Buildings, serving as a lasting tribute to their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their dedication and bravery in protecting the citizens of South Africa were solemnly acknowledged by government officials, police officers, and the families of the deceased.

“An assault on SAPS is a direct attack on the state, and we must take action against individuals who perpetrate this crime, which is equal to treason,” Paul Mashatile declared.

He emphasized that police officers must be empowered to defend themselves and their communities, particularly when faced with armed and dangerous criminals.

He urged officers to act decisively in the face of criminal threats, using proportionate force in accordance with legal provisions to ensure that they remain in control of every situation.

The acting president also directed a strong message to the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, and National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, stressing the need to equip police officers with the necessary tools to effectively combat crime.

“Minister Mchunu, we must make sure the police have enough tools to support their counterattack against criminals,” he said.

One of the key issues highlighted by Mashatile was the increasing police-to-population ratio in South Africa.

Paul Mashatile pointed out that while the United Nations recommends one police officer for every 220 persons, South Africa’s ratio has risen from approximately 1:353 in 2014 to 1:427 in 2023. This growing disparity has put additional pressure on the SAPS, making it even more challenging to maintain law and order across the country.

Acting President Paul Mashatile urged the government to address this issue as a matter of urgency, ensuring that police recruitment efforts keep pace with the country’s growing population. He stressed that achieving the recommended ratio would significantly enhance the effectiveness of the police force in combating crime and maintaining public safety.

In his address to the police officers gathered at the Union Buildings, Mashatile reminded them of the significant duty they have to carry forward the legacy of their fallen colleagues. “May you never tire of serving your nation by working harder to imprison all offenders in honour of your fallen colleagues,” he said, underscoring the importance of upholding the integrity of the SAPS badge and relentlessly pursuing justice for those responsible for the deaths of police officers.

He also highlighted the efforts of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, commonly known as the Hawks, in bringing justice to families who have lost loved ones in the fight against crime. Between April and June 2024, the Hawks arrested 18 suspected police killers, with 12 of them already convicted and sentenced to a cumulative 139 years of imprisonment. One of the killers received a life sentence.

A matter of grave concern, according to Mashatile, is the alarming rise in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty. Since 2021, the country has commemorated a total of 140 police officers who lost their lives at the hands of criminals while performing their official duties. “This number is alarmingly high, especially considering that these are men and women who have the potential to lead the future SAPS to a crime-free South Africa,” Mashatile lamented.

Paul Mashatile on Police low morale

He called for a collaborative approach to addressing the internal challenges facing the SAPS, including low morale among members, instances of SAPS members being involved in criminal activities, and ageing infrastructure. These issues, he emphasized, must be resolved to enable the police to fulfil their constitutional obligations effectively.

Mashatile reiterated that fighting crime should not be the sole responsibility of the SAPS. He called on communities to actively participate in efforts to combat criminal activity, protect their properties, and assist in identifying criminals.

“Criminals are humans who live in our communities, and residents know where they live,” he stated, urging community members to inform the police of criminals’ whereabouts to facilitate their prompt arrest.

He also called for the strengthening of Community Policing Forums (CPF), emphasizing the critical role they play in fostering collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.

In recent months, there has been a renewed focus on protecting police officers in South Africa. This includes not only enhancing their training and providing them with better equipment but also addressing the root causes of violence against law enforcement. The Hawks have intensified their operations against those who target police officers, resulting in a significant number of arrests and convictions.

However, the challenge remains formidable. The increasing police-to-population ratio, coupled with the ongoing threat of violence against officers, requires a sustained and coordinated effort from all levels of government, law enforcement agencies, and the public.

The government’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ recommended police-to-population ratio is a step in the right direction, but it will require substantial investment and long-term planning.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, known as the Hawks, has been at the forefront of efforts to bring those responsible for killing police officers to justice. Their work has led to the arrest of 18 suspects between April and June 2024, with 12 of these individuals already convicted and sentenced. The Hawks’ efforts are ongoing, with several cases still pending in court.

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Mashatile commended the Hawks for their relentless pursuit of justice, noting that their work is crucial in maintaining the morale of the police force and ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their actions. The Acting President expressed hope that the pending cases would result in harsh sentences, sending a strong message that violence against police officers will not be tolerated.

The increasing number of police officers killed in the line of duty has a profound impact on public safety. When officers are targeted by criminals, it undermines the ability of the police force to maintain law and order. It also erodes public confidence in the police, making it more difficult for law enforcement to carry out their duties effectively.

Mashatile’s speech highlighted the importance of restoring public trust in the SAPS by ensuring that those who attack police officers are brought to justice swiftly and decisively. He called on all South Africans to support the police in their efforts to combat crime, noting that a united front is essential in the fight against criminal elements.