Calls for community to expose police killers

Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko has called on members of the community to come forward with information that may lead to the prosecution of those that kill men and women in blue.

The Minister said this when he, along with Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, briefed the media on latest developments that are currently in the police environment in Cape Town, on Tuesday.

He said it was important for members of the community to forge a partnership with the SA Police Service to arrest police killings.

“The Minister and the acting National Commissioner have expressed deep concern over the escalating attacks on police officials.

“We also note that our members have begun to embark increased methods to protect themselves especially the usage of bullet-proof vests,” he said.

Minister Nhleko said the police have noted an unfortunate trend whereby no witnesses come forward with information on these dastardly acts.

He also said that in two attacks in the Western Cape, police are struggling to get community members to not only support the bereaved, but come forward with information.

“We call upon the communities to be active partners in helping police fight crime and corruption,” he said.

Police receiving quality training

The Acting National Commissioner said after the SAPS introduced a new training programme for police recruits this month, there has been a lot of commentary through the media in a form of complaints. This included claims of a supposed cutting of the training period for new recruits into the SAPS.

“Unfortunately, this has been wrongly communicated because in reality, the new training regime will better equip the new recruits than disadvantage them.

“The training remains over the same period as before – 21 months.

“Recruits will spend the first month at a police station so that they become familiar with the environment.

“This will equip them with administrative skills of what exactly happens at a police station before they go to the academy for eight months of intensive training.

“The recruits will then go on field training, as constables instead of just being trainees for a period of 12 months, which will also serve as the probationary period,” he said.

Under the training requirements of the previous programme, which ran from 2012 until 2015, police recruits were required to go through a 24 month programme. The new programme will see recruits only going through a 21 month intensive training programme.

The Acting National Commissioner said while the 24 month programme made no provision for induction, the new-look 21 month programme will give trainees induction and practical placement at station level for a month.

While the old programme had a 10 month theory component, the new programme has reduced theory work to eight months with a practical exposure at a police station under a mentor.

The new programme also includes weekend training, a 12 month probation period, a three-week crowd management training [opposed to two days], as well as being trained on advanced tactical techniques.

Freedom Day

Meanwhile, the Minister said police will be on the ground on Freedom Day to ensure that celebrations proceed smoothly.

“We are aware that a number of organisations and entities have decided to use this day to take to the streets to express themselves.

“On our part, we will ensure that all these activities proceed smoothly and that all people be protected. But we would like to warn those that are out to cause chaos that police will not standby and allow them to tarnish such an important day,” he said.

SOURCE: Government Communication and information System

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