Durban — The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has applauded KwaZulu-Natal police for their courage and bravery after police shot and killed a robbery suspect during a shoot-out in the province.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and KZN SAPS have been trending on X (formerly Twitter) since the latest crossfire incident between armed criminals and police officers.
The union revealed that more than 40 suspects have been killed in shoot-outs with police in KZN since April.
Popcru commended the police officers involved in a recent shoot-out in Durban where five murder suspects were killed after opening fire on law enforcement.
The union praised the officers for their outstanding work and bravery in tackling armed criminals while ensuring that no police lives were lost in the line of duty.
Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya emphasised the importance of acknowledging the hazardous and often life-threatening conditions in which officers operate.
“As Popcru, we would like to extend our congratulations to the police and crime intelligence members involved in identifying and locating these criminals. All officers must be commended for confronting the suspects, and for addressing the clear and present threat they posed to our communities – as demonstrated by the many guns found in the suspects’ possession,” Ngwenya said.
“We further acknowledge and reject any criticism from those who have blamed the police for the incident or labelled their actions as violent. It’s disheartening that these same critics remain silent when our police officers are killed or are quick to blame police for the presence of violent crime in our society.”
Ngwenya noted the confrontation as an example of exceptional crime intelligence efforts in assisting police to successfully track and uncover the whereabouts of criminals.
“The community is safer thanks to the efforts of this multidisciplinary task team in rooting out perpetrators and attempting to make the necessary arrests to the best of their ability. We are proud of how they are using their crime intelligence skills to maximum effect, and believe that other provinces could benefit from adopting similar strategies,” Ngwenya continued.
Ngwenya also commended Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi, who led the team.
“Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi must be thanked for his leadership and the exemplary performance of his team, with our gratitude as citizens for making our streets safer. Police do not have to apologise for their hard work and dedication.”
I wish they could clone General Mkhwanazi and place his clones in every police station in South Africa. Yeyi I love how he is a threat to criminals. Proud citizen 😎
— Shaz Bantuza (@shaz_bantuza) August 5, 2024
Ngwenya said since April, over 40 suspects were killed in shoot-outs with police in KZN.
He argued that perpetrators sometimes leave police no option but to defend themselves and the lives of others.
“Police are often forced to face hardened, heavily armed criminals, and they must continue to respond appropriately and without hesitation to eliminate the threat in these types of situations – even if that sadly means raising their weapons. Their mandate is to protect and serve, and we stand in complete support of them as they perform their task,” Ngwenya explained.
“Additionally, we once again call on the government to declare police killings as treason and make criminals think twice before daring to open fire on members of law enforcement. The murder of our police officers is undermining justice and the rule of law, leaving communities vulnerable to the rule of these types of violent criminals instead. It’s time for change.”
In 3 months kzn Saps under Mkhwanazi have arrested 35k ppl and killed 40+/- ppl, your speaking from a privilege/criminal perspective or paid by them since more criminals are brought before the judiciary than killed by the police and this clearly indicates preference to arrest https://t.co/aLaqGhpGXW
— BROEWELLA MAAN🎙🇿🇦 (@SpitMochene) August 5, 2024
Meanwhile, on Sunday night, an alleged robbery suspect was shot and killed in a gunbattle with police in Esikhaleni, northern KZN.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police responded to reports of a victim who was robbed in the Ndindima area in Esikhaleni by suspects who fled the scene. Police traced the suspects and four suspects were cornered in the Ncombo area.
“At the sight of police blue lights, the suspects opened fire towards the police, triggering a response from the men of law,” Netshiunda said.
“One suspect was fatally wounded in the resultant shoot-out whilst the other three fled into the bushes. A search for them is still underway. The deceased suspect was found in possession of a. 38 special revolver firearm with five rounds of ammunition.
“No police officer was injured during the shoot-out.”
Netshiunda urged anyone with information on the location of the suspects who escaped arrest to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111.
A brand new week and yet another suspect shot and killed by KZN SAPS.
— The Legal SA (@TheLegalSA) August 5, 2024
A robbery suspect was last night shot and killed by General Mkhwanazi's forces in eSikhaleni, KwaZulu-Natal.
The suspect failed to surrender to police and instead opened fire on them.#TheLegalSA pic.twitter.com/VWBAPkrH3X
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