Mass march against police killings

“IT takes a special somebody to put on the blue uniform,” said Brighton Beach SAPS communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux, as a mass prayer and march was held in Durban on Thursday, 13 August to honour those who gave their lives to protect others.

With the recent spate of police officer killings, police and religious groups took to the streets around the King Zwelithini Stadium to pay tribute to the fallen, show their support to those who continue to serve and to foster community participation. During the 2014/5 financial year, 22 KZN police officers were killed in the line of duty.

“It takes a special somebody to put on the blue uniform and greet his or her loved ones, not knowing if this will be the day that the passion to protect and serve their country could cost them their lives,” said Capt Le Roux.

A motorcade drove from Mega City Mall, while the SAPS military band led police in a march from the Mangosuthu University of Technology, all meeting at the stadium. A mass prayer against police killings by various religious groups followed with KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu and acting provincial commissioner, Major General Khombinkosi Jula then addressing the gathering.

Capt Le Roux offered the following advice to police officers to promote and sustain a safe environment for themselves:

• Ensure service pistols including the magazine are in a serviceable condition at all times, and that redundant ammunition is replaced timeously.
• Serviceable bullet-resistant vests, including ceramic plates, must be used at all times when on duty, this includes members who perform duties in the community service centre.
• Members must equip themselves with handcuffs, pepperspray, a radio and a torch when reporting for duty.
• Do not talk, text or listen to music on mobile devices while on patrol, be it on foot or vehicle bound, as it affects one’s level of alertness and observation capabilities.
• Authorised drivers of state vehicles must ensure a thorough pretrip inspection is conducted. This could prevent a breakdown, which could result in the officers exposing themselves to an assault.
• Never respond to a complaint alone. Always work in pairs. Every complaint or situation must be approached as serious, as the level of threat is not always known. The correct tactical approach procedures must be applied to each situation to ensure safety at all times. If the situation becomes volatile, always call for back-up.

“Community members are encouraged to report those individuals who are involved or responsible for the senseless killing of our men and women in blue by making an anonymous report through the various crime reporting mechanisms made available by SAPS: www.crimeline.co.za, SMS hotline 32211, Crime Stop hotline 08600-10111,” said Capt Le Roux.