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.

The ANC Youth League condemns the barbaric act by some people within the South African Police Service (SAPS) who continue to function with an apartheid mentality when handling the affairs of maintaining public order and general policing activities.

The recent killing of two people who were shot dead and another two injured after police opened fire on residents during a service delivery protest in Mothutlung, North West Province, indicates that something is seriously out of order within the SAPS public order unit. It seems as though teargas and rubber bullets are no longer used but live rounds of ammunition. In recent times, the whole country has become an audience in a theatrical showcase of an ever-growing bad culture of police brutality, the resultant effect of which will be an entrenched fear amongst citizens whenever they see law enforcement officers. That sort of situation is unacceptable and should not be allowed to mature without condemnation.
 
As the ANC Youth League, we are an organisation of young people – who are affected by these shootings and killings. Our members lose parents, bread-winners and relatives out of these uncontrolled police interventions. Thus, we call on all members of the SAPS to revisit their resolve to serve in the police force. They should go back to the basics of serving our people and protecting citizens from crime and related ills.