Cele tells police officers to use 'deadly force' to protect South Africans, themselves
Police Minister Bheki Cele has urged officers to use "deadly force" to protect themselves and South Africans against criminals.
The minister was speaking in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, on Friday as part of his festive season anti-crime campaign.
Cele told police officers at Barnard Stadium that their job is not to make the law but to enforce it, and that they need to be decisive on patrol.
"But at the same vain you, yourself, cannot be messed up by criminals.
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The law says to you use section 49 Criminal Procedure Act when a member of the community or citizen of South Africa is under threat you protect and defend those people.
"But it continues the very same law, saying if you as an officer and your life is under threat you use deadly defence to protect the innocent people and yourself," Cele added.
WATCH:
#SaferFestiveSeason | Police Minister Bheki Cele says police should create a safe place for women and children this festive season. pic.twitter.com/ZnH8y6VP7x
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) December 18, 2020
