Police killings rise as minister vows justice for fallen officers

With 27 police killings in the last financial year, acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, who on Sunday visited the families of Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa and Sergeant Simon Masenya, the two officers who were tragically shot and killed on Friday, has promised that no stone will be left unturned in the search for convicted criminal Jabulani Moyo, linked to the two murders.

The minister also extended his sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni from Schoemansdal SAPS in Mpumalanga, who was killed on Saturday while responding to a burglary incident in Schoemansdal near Komatipoort.

“These senseless acts of violence against our men and women in blue are an attack on the rule of law and the safety of all South Africans. We strongly condemn these heinous crimes, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. We call on all SAPS members to remain alert at all times and to make full and appropriate use of the tools of trade issued to them," the minister said.

Meanwhile, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Mpumalanga’s Acting Commissioner Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, who also visited the Mpumalanga family of Sergeant Mtshweni, decried the war against law enforcement officers

"He was killed while he was on duty. He was not killed at a place he was not supposed to be. He died while wearing a uniform and his boots on. This means he was a dedicated official. We call on the community, where there is necessary information that can lead to the arrest of those responsible, to share that information with the police," Mkhwanazi stated.

On Saturday, Masemola said the attack on police will not go unchallenged as the force has lost three officers in 24 hours, adding that since the start of the year, the police have lost 27 men and women in blue.

"In the last financial year, 27 men and women in blue died in the line of duty. From the first of April 2025 to date, six police officers have lost their lives to criminal attacks and ambushes. These are not just numbers; they were mothers and fathers who left their families behind to fend for themselves," Masemola said.

Masemola urged his men and women to meet violence with violence when confronted by violent criminals who continue to show disdain for the country's laws.

"I am making this call again to all police officers in the country, do not die with the tools and resources that we have given you. The men and women in blue must act appropriately when circumstances allow them to act. Remember to always use force that is proportional to the threat. I plead with you, do not let your guard down; always be a step ahead of these criminals to ensure the safety and security of the people of this country."

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za