/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

President Jacob Zuma has strongly condemned the killing of police officers this past week and called upon members of the public to work with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and the creation of safer communities.

In the past week South Africa lost four members of the South African Police Service who died in the hands of criminals and also a member of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department who was gruesomely killed at a shopping complex during an armed robbery.

“Police are the buffer between the community and criminals and we should all work together to support the police in their work. We also urge our law enforcement officers to defend themselves against criminals within the confines of the law. We salute all law enforcement officers who work diligently under difficult conditions to rid our country of crime. Their work is appreciated by all South Africans”.

President Zuma has also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of all the police officers and the member of the JMPD who lost their lives so brutally this week.

“Our hearts go out to the families who are going through pain because of heartless criminals who have no respect for human life”, said President Zuma.

Issued by The Presidency