Mchunu says police have right to defend themselves: ‘They are human beings, not stones’
Mchunu addressed the media in Durban on Monday, following two major shootings in KwaZulu-Natal where nine people were killed.
Police minister Senzo Mchunu. Picture: SAPS/x
DURBAN - Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu said his members had a right to defend themselves when they came under fire from criminals.
Mchunu addressed the media in Durban on Monday, following two major shootings in KwaZulu-Natal where nine people were killed.
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Police in KwaZulu-Natal are on the hunt for several suspects following a bloody weekend in the province.
On Saturday, a lone gunman shot and killed six men in Umlazi, south of Durban.
The following day, police engaged in a shooting with several armed robbers in Ntuzuma, north of Durban, killing three.
One of the deceased was identified as a police officer from KwaMashu South African Police Service (SAPS).
On Monday, police nabbed another cop from KwaMashu, a constable who was involved in the robbery and injured during the shootout with police.
Mchunu said criminals had no fear of shooting at police, and that would not be tolerated.
"Police are human beings. They are fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers. They are not stones. They are not just stones who roll out to communities to protect them."
Police continue to search for suspects involved in both incidents.