Pretoria - The Hawks have come up with a new strategy to address the recent spate of police killings.
The strategy, which proposes a review of the current firearm legislation among other issues, will be presented to the Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko in due course for it to be discussed in Parliament.
National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI or Hawks) Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza said the Hawks will also be opposing bail in all police killing cases.
“The directorate will apply a multi-disciplinary approach with relevant stakeholders and the days for those who own illegal firearms and those who misuse their licensed firearms are numbered,” said Ntlemeza.
Over 44 police officers have been killed in South Africa this year and although 55 arrests have been made, Ntlemeza said he would only rest when the killing of police officers has come to an end.
“The killing of police officers poses a threat to the security of the state and as the Hawks we are determined to end police killings. I want to sensitise all members of the SAPS, Hawks, as well as metro police officers to be ready for action at all times.
“They must never relax and be caught off guard. When attending to armed robberies, cash in-transit and other dangerous crime scenes, it is advisable to call for back-up and approach criminals tactically,” said Ntlemeza.
He urged members of the communities to give the Hawks information about those suspected to be involved in police killings.
Those with information can contact Major General Ledwaba on 082 319 9489 or Brigadier Xaba at 079 889 9582. - SAnews.gov.za
