DA MP Ian Cameron responds to frequent police shootings in KZN

The chairperson of the portfolio committee on police in parliament, Mr Ian Cameron, has highlighted concerns about the rise in the number of people shot and killed by police recently, especially in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has revealed that more than 40 suspects have been killed in shootouts with police in the province since April.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) media statement, police in KZN have recovered and seized 313 firearms during province-wide operations which also saw the arrest of 11 003 suspects for various crimes in the month of July.

“While we accept that the police are entitled to use reasonable force, as per section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act, we are of the view that strong checks and balances provided for by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) can allay concerns of extrajudicial killings.

“It is on this basis that we argued strongly for an increase in the IPID budget when we considered the budget and will continue to advocate for more resources when the adjustment appropriation is considered,” said Cameron, who is also a member of the Democratic Alliance.

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However, the chairperson also pointed out that the police operate in a precarious and dangerous environment that often necessitates the use of force.

In this context, “police should be enabled to use reasonable force necessary in self-defence. The legislated checks and balances should be a counterbalance to the concerns raised by many.”

In addition, the chairperson called on the SAPS management to strengthen measures to curb the prevalence of illegal firearms in South African communities “because the removal of these firearms will lead to fewer violent crimes.”

Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi encouraged police officers focus on their responsibilities amid public backlash against the increase in the number of police shootings.

Mkhwanazi said that policing will always spark debates and as such police must never loosen the grip on the fight against crime.

“Do not be discouraged by self-proclaimed experts or analysts who find relevance only when they speak bad [sic] about the police. Such people have never experienced the dangers on the streets that you patrol on a 24-hour basis. I urge you to ignore the noise and execute your constitutional mandate with professionalism.

“Criminals who challenge the authority of the state by shooting at police officers should be made to feel the wrath of the law, all within the confines of the Constitution,” said Mkhwanazi.