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The Caucus of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) today requested the
Speaker of the National Assembly to allow an urgent debate on the
highly controversial 'shoot-to-kill' policy, that has caused
widespread confusion amongst both members of the public and the police
alike.

"The current widespread and dangerous uncertainty on when the police
are authorised to 'shoot-to-kill' must be debated urgently, because
this is in the public's interest," said Koos van der Merwe MP, IFP
Chief Whip.

The IFP's request has been made against the backdrop of statements
made by the Minister of Police and the Commissioner of Police that
policemen and women are authorised to 'shoot-to-kill' under certain
circumstances; and following the vicious killing of police officers in
the line of duty, as well as the killing of innocent people by the SAPS.

Van der Merwe added that the IFP caucus believes that it is important
to get absolute clarity on the 'shoot-to-kill' policy.

"The IFP is of the opinion that the uncertainty created by these
different statements emanating from the Ministry of Police and within
the media, could lead to the unnecessary deaths of policemen and
ordinary citizens. We are therefore seeking an urgent debate which
could provide all South Africans with the clarity that is so
desperately needed," said van der Merwe.