Ramaphosa calls for an end to police killings

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa is calling on South African communities to join the fight against police killings.

Speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria earlier, Ramaphosa say there's an increase in police attacks, and this must stop.

A total of 34 officers were killed between April 2022 and March this year.

"Deadly attacks on police officers are sadly once more on the rise. The constitution of our country mandates police to prevent to combat and investigate crime, it mandates them to maintain public order and protect the inhabitants of the Republic of South Africa and their property.

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"The officers we are commemorating today lost their lives to criminals who have no regard for rule of law," Ramaphosa said.

"The increase in the killings of police officers, whether on or off duty, demonstrates the level of desperation of criminals to remove any obstacles that are in the way of their criminal intent.

"Attacks on police officers must must to an end. I call on all serving police officers to ensure that these deaths are not in vain. You must remain steadfast in the fight against crime."

Ramaphosa has also reacted to the Limpopo shootout which has left 19 suspects dead.

He says police must continue to act when they're under attack.

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"The shootout that happened in Limpopo just 48 hours ago when criminals opened fire on police, and the police did what they're trained for," Ramaphosa said.

"When under such attack they should continue to protect lives, property and also to protect their own lives and the lives of their colleagues."

Police Minister Bheki Cele also paid a moving tribute.

"While the sun shines on us this morning as we gather at the caital city, sadly the sun sets prematurely on 34 of our own.

"From April last year to March 2023, 34 SAPS officers -- including four female officers -- were brutally killed while in the line of duty," Cele said.

"We remember them today, we salute them, today we're gathered in our collective grief to honour these officers who paid the ultimate price."