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The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has commended the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police officers involved in a recent shootout in Durban, where five murder suspects were killed after opening fire on law enforcement. The union praised the officers for their outstanding work and bravery in tackling armed criminals while ensuring that no police lives were lost in the line of duty. 

POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya emphasised the importance of acknowledging the hazardous and often life-threatening conditions in which officers operate.

“As POPCRU, we would like to extend our congratulations to the police and crime intelligence members involved in identifying and locating these criminals. All officers must be commended for confronting the suspects, and for addressing the clear and present threat they posed to our communities – as demonstrated by the many guns found in the suspects’ possession. 

“We further acknowledge and reject any criticism from those who have blamed the police for the incident or labelled their actions as violent. It’s disheartening that these same critics remain silent when our police officers are killed, or are quick to blame police for the presence of violent crime in our society.”

He pointed to the confrontation as an example of exceptional crime intelligence efforts in assisting police to successfully track and uncover the whereabouts of criminals. 

“The community is safer thanks to the efforts of this multidisciplinary task team in rooting out perpetrators, and attempting to make the necessary arrests to the best of their ability. We are proud of how they are using their crime intelligence skills to maximum effect, and believe that other provinces could benefit from adopting similar strategies.”

Ngwenya also commended the KZN Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who led the team. 

“Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi must be thanked for his leadership and the exemplary performance of his team, with our gratitude as citizens for making our streets safer. Police do not have to apologise for their hard work and dedication.”

Since April, over 40 suspects have been killed in shootouts with police in KZN. However, perpetrators sometimes leave police no option but to defend themselves and the lives of others, argues Ngwenya. 

“Police are often forced to face hardened, heavily armed criminals, and they must continue to respond appropriately and without hesitation to eliminate the threat in these types of situations – even if that sadly means raising their weapons. Their mandate is to protect and serve, and we stand in complete support of them as they perform their task.

“Additionally, we once again call on government to declare police killings as treason and make criminals think twice before daring to open fire on members of law enforcement. The murder of our police officers is undermining justice and the rule of law, leaving communities vulnerable to the rule of these types of violent criminals instead. It’s time for change.”

Issued by Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union