109 police officers killed since April last year, Cele confirms
Picture: X/SAPS
JOHANNESBURG - A total of 109 police officers have been killed in the country since April last year.
This has been confirmed by Police Minister Bheki Cele while providing an update on work being done to address crime in the country.
Over the weekend, a police officer was laid to rest in KwaZulu-Natal after he was shot dead while responding to a crime.
Out of the over 100 police officers killed over the last year, 36 died while on duty.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said that to date, 83 suspects had been arrested in connection with police killings.
Cele said that while officers had a duty to protect the community, they should also protect themselves.
"Our message is clear. No police officer should die with a gun in their hand. We call on the police to remain vigilant."
Responding to recent backlash on the growing number of suspects killed by police, Cele said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was investigating the incidents.