The rapid increase in the killings and suicides of members of the South African Police, are often due to stress, personal problems or the overwhelming operational duties imposed on men and women in uniform.
These killings are a cause for great concern in South Africa and many of these tragic incidents, in which the lives of men and women who are meant to serve and protect the nation are lost, were condemned by the Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Monday 12 March.
An incident in Ocean View in Lentegeur near Cape Town a few weeks ago, where a police officer killed his partner and then committed suicide, also shocked the country.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Francois Beukman said: “Police members who experience stress due to operational duties and personal challenges should make use of the wellness programmes that are offered by the police. Family members are also urged to report abnormal behaviour to the supervisors of police members.”
Beukman said that station and unit commanders should also take proactive steps if they see members are not well.
He said family members also have a duty to report abnormal behaviour.
Beukman also said service firearms should immediately be confiscated if risk factors come to the fore.
“The Portfolio Committee on Police will raise the matter with the National Commissioner of Police to ensure that wellness protocols are adhered to and the necessary support is given to police members who experience wellness challenges.”
In Randfontein, a case of murder is being investigated after a police officer shot and killed his wife, who was also a police officer on Monday 29 January.
According to Colonel Lungelo Dlamini, Gauteng Police spokesperson, the woman’s body was found dumped in the veld near Randfontein Road.
“The suspect was arrested while fleeing to Limpopo and will be facing charges of murder. It is suspected that the victim was killed in their house in Greenhills.
“Domestic violence might have been the motive, although investigations are continuing. Police in Randfontein were contacted by the neighbours who allegedly heard gunshots.
As they entered the premises, they found traces of blood, but nobody was on the premises. Further investigation led to the discovery of the body,” Colonel Dlamini said.
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