National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has condemned growing hostility towards officers.
Image: Screenshot
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has issued a stern warning to those who attack police officers, saying they will face the full might of the law, following a viral video showing a female officer being assaulted in the Kimberley CBD.
His warning comes after the arrest of two men who allegedly assaulted a female police constable during crime prevention duties in the Northern Cape on Monday.
The incident, which was captured on video and has since gone viral, shows a man attacking the officer and pulling off her weave while she was carrying out her duties.
Members of the public attempted to intervene, and a second police vehicle arrived shortly afterwards to assist the officer.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien confirmed that two suspects were arrested on the scene by fellow SAPS members.
The suspects face charges of assaulting a police official, resisting arrest, defeating the ends of justice, and malicious damage to property.
The officer sustained minor injuries and received medical attention.
Masemola made the remarks ahead of the SAPS’s safer festive season operations launch in Bloemfontein, Free State.
He warned community members, especially those who show disregard for the police uniform, that attacks on law enforcement personnel would not be tolerated.
“Anyone who tries to stop police officers from carrying out their mandate to prevent and combat crime will be met with the full might of the law,” Masemola said.
“An attack on a police officer is an attack on the state, and an attack on national security.”
He further reminded the public that interfering with police officers in the execution of their duties constitutes an offence in terms of Section 67 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995.
“Police officials are authorised to use reasonable force to overcome such resistance or hindrance,” he said.
Masemola emphasised the personal sacrifice officers make, saying, “Police officers are mothers and fathers who leave their families to risk their lives in maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of everyone within the borders of the Republic of South Africa.”
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has issued a stern warning that attacks on officers will not be tolerated.
Image: Picture: Siyabulela Duda/GCIS
He also appealed to the public to take responsibility for protecting officers from attacks and killings, particularly during the upcoming festive season.
“Crime can only be rooted out if communities respect the law and support the South African Police Service,” Masemola said.
“By interfering with or obstructing officers, community members become part of the crime and undermine any attempt to address criminality in their areas.”
He added, “Communities cannot pick and choose who they believe should be arrested or prosecuted.”
Masemola reaffirmed that the SAPS is mandated by Section 205(3) of the Constitution to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, and uphold and enforce the law.
“Policing is not an easy task,” Masemola said. “When others run away at the sound of gunfire or the threat of violence, police officers run directly into danger to avert potential loss of life and protect the community.”
Masemola called on communities to work hand in hand with law enforcement as the police prepare to intensify operations to prevent serious and violent crime, including armed robberies, cash-in-transit heists, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and other criminal activities
“It cannot be the very communities who depend on the police for their safety who turn around and attack officers,” he said.
“The video of the Kimberley attack must be condemned in the strongest terms by all law-abiding citizens. The arrest of the suspects should serve as a deterrent: the police will not allow attacks on its members nor will it tolerate GBVF against its officers.”
The top cop also praised the police officers involved for acting with restraint during the attack, despite being armed, in an effort to prevent the loss of life.
“With the festive season upon us, we will be out there to ensure that everyone in the Republic is protected,” he said.
“Be safe, be vigilant, report wrongdoing - but most importantly, respect the blue uniform, and the blue uniform will serve you and protect you.”
He urged the police to continue executing their duties with diligence and integrity, remaining within the confines of the law, but to act when the situation requires it.
“Remember to use force that is proportional and reasonable to the threat,” Masemola said.
He added that the safety of SAPS members is a priority, supported through stringent preventative measures, continuous operational training, and the provision of modern safety equipment.
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