Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, has commended police action in apprehending the suspects linked to the murder of Captain Dumisani Mhlanzi.
"Police action will continue to be tough and hard on dangerous criminals, they must retreat or regret. The energy levels of police action have been reloaded from that of a smaller engine to the top-notch engine capacity," said Minister Cele.
He added that “police must regain public confidence and our communities must be safe and feel safe. The time has come for criminals to understand the fearless police language and begin to seriously respect the dignified blue."
A specialized team led by members of the National Intervention Unit exchanged fire with the suspects in KwaMashu last night which resulted in the killing of three suspects and two of them arrested.
The suspects were heavily armed and were also found in possession of a number of high powered firearms including that of the late Captain Mhlanzi who was killed during a robbery in KwaMaphumulo two weeks ago.
The two suspects aged 25 and 39 are expected to appear in the KwaMaphumulo Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
In the same depth, Minister Cele issued a stern warning to police officers who intimidate and insult victims of crime.
This follows an incident in Midrand police station where a woman was badly treated by police officers.
Swift action was taken against the officers who were allegedly implicated in the incident and all three were suspended with immediate effect, pending a SAPS disciplinary process.
"Police officers at station level are at the critical point of service delivery and therefore their service must always be on point. Any officer found to be ill-treating victims of crime will be dealt with accordingly through police discipline. Let us continue to serve and protect," Minister Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
