‘God help us all’

‘God please help us! We are dying out there.’

That was the plea by police members as they walked down Via Verbena Road during a march against cop killings in Richards Bay on Monday.

With the disturbing increase of police members being murdered in the line of duty, they sought divine intervention to end the intensifying crime wave affecting the region.

The police fraternity also had a moment of silence as a sign of respect for those who perished at the hands of criminals.

‘Today we pray and condemn this inhuman act against our members who have become a target of criminals. We are saying enough is enough, and the community must work with us to ensure a safe society for all,’ said Brigadier Brenda Mgenge.

The message was supported by the uMhlathuze Traffic Department and several Community Policing Forums.

Richards Bay CPF Chairperson Robert Mbuyazi said it was important to educate communities about the importance of police.

‘When we have problems the police are the people we call. However, it is very difficult for police now to attend to scenes because they don’t know what will happen to them. ‘They are constantly scared they will lose their lives whenever they go out,’ said Mbuyazi.

He also said police who misbehave and ill-treat residents must be reported.

‘Those who abuse their power have no place within the police structures. We know that some mistreat residents, and we also say that must end,’ he said.