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The South African Policing Union would like to welcome the National Assembly decision to set aside Wednesday 28 February 2018 for a full parliamentary debate on the tragic event of five police officers killed in cold blood in the rural town of Engcobo in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday 21 February 2018.

Although this debate will never bring back to life our members, it is the correct decision towards putting senseless police killings in the nation's agenda. After debating this act of cowardice SAPU calls upon MPs to come with tough legislation to curb these killings. This is a positive step towards the total eradication of police killings in South Africa.

We commend Police Minister for abandoning his attendance of the Finance Minister's Budget Speech and going down to the Engcobo Police Station immediately. His action speaks volumes to our members who feel let down and being on their own. We call upon the Minister to lead from the front. Together with members of the community can make a difference.

The decision of the Speaker Ms. Baleka Mbete is highly commended. SAPU has been calling for political will to deal with brutal, violent and senseless killings of the men and women in blue. We hope as social partners of the SAPS organised labour will be afforded an opportunity to take part in the debate.

Issued by SAPU