Mchunu hits out at critics of police for killing heavily armed criminals
South African Police (SAPS) members have been accused by human rights groups and some criminal experts of being heavy-handed in dealing with criminals.
Police minister Senzo Mchunu. Picture: SAPS/x
CAPE TOWN - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has called for those who criticise the police for killing heavily armed criminals to leave the police to do their work.
South African Police (SAPS) members have been accused by human rights groups and some criminal experts of being heavy-handed in dealing with criminals.
This follows a string of shootings where criminals were mowed down by police in alleged retaliation attacks.
Mchunu said that while he welcomed a difference of opinion, people should also be mindful that police were human beings who had the right to protect themselves.
Mchunu said he had an issue with people criticising the police and not the criminals.
"None of them are going to the criminals to say you're too armed. These people carry AK-47s, and police are meant to go there with bare hands and when they're fired at, they must say thank you and get killed like that. It's not going to happen, it's not practical."
The minister added that the police were just carrying out their duties.
"But there is no war between us and criminals, but if they stand in our way from doing what we are mandated to do, making sure that people and children are safe, there won't be any war, it would just be dealing with somebody who is acting."