Schweizer Reneke – The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, delivered a compelling call to action to police officers nationwide, urging them to promptly employ force proportional to the threat they face.
The minister’s message was conveyed during a somber gathering of mourners and officers at the funeral of Sergeant Kediemetse Masilo in Schweizer Reneke, North West.
Sergeant Masilo tragically lost her life this week while pursuing a stolen vehicle in Kimberley. The alleged perpetrator, 38-year-old Daniel Alberts, a known repeat offender, is reported to have been responsible for her untimely death.
Alberts, already facing charges for two counts of murder, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, as well as motor vehicle theft and theft, had appeared before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.
Numerous speakers expressed their sorrow over the loss of police officers, whether on duty or off duty. Among those in attendance were Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr. Kenny Morolong; Ms. Nomandla Bloem, the MEC of Community Safety in the Northern Cape; General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the SAPS; and Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape.
The heart-wrenching reality is that thirty-one [31] police officers have tragically lost their lives while both on and off duty over the past three months. In the wake of these losses, Minister Cele, supported by the leadership of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and representatives of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), has emphatically encouraged officers to act without hesitation.
“Stay alert and prepared to respond in any situation. If the situation calls for force, ensure that it is used out of necessity, reasonableness, and proportionality. I implore you not to squander the tools and resources we have equipped you with,” Minister Cele passionately asserted.
The funeral of Constable Mandindi, who tragically passed away alongside Sergeant Masilo, is scheduled for Saturday, 02 September 2023, in Pampierstad, Northern Cape. Both officers were part of the Kimberley Flying Squad at the time of their unfortunate demise.
Additionally, a commemorative event honoring thirty-four police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2022/2023 financial year will take place on Sunday, 03 September 2023, at the Union Buildings.
The SAPS will pay tribute to these fallen heroes and heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.
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