Don't kill, fix the real problems Cele

[View this email in your browser]( FROM THE NEWSROOM November 17, 2022 [Mail & Guardian]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( Hi there, Police minister Bheki Cele has again made headlines for all the wrong reasons, this time after telling officers in Cape Town to "shoot first and ask questions later". The irony of the statement being uttered at a Safer Festive Season campaign in Mitchells Plain was obviously lost on the alleged leader. In 2009, Cele caused consternation when, as newly appointed national commissioner, he said he wanted to change a section of the Criminal Procedure Act to allow police to use deadly force, or “shoot to kill”. He has since denied making the comments. In 2011, police did just what they were allegedly not told. The man’s name was Andries Tatane. He was gunned down during a service delivery protest in Ficksburg. Then Marikana happened. Police gunned down more than three dozen men. Then Mthokozisi Ntumba was shot and killed during student protests at Wits University in Braamfontein. Then teenager Nathaniel Julies was killed outside his home in Eldorado Park. The police officers shot the boy - who had Down syndrome - in the head and chest. The list is longer. Some research has shown that [SAPS kills three times more people per capita]( than police in the United States do. It is no secret that South Africa has a crime problem, however research has shown that the violence Cele wants the police service to employ does not curb that problem. Instead it has led to countless innocent lives being mowed down. Militarising an untrained, ill equipped police force and sending them out to kill and ask questions later is deadly for citizens. Cele’s office is well aware of this through several recommendations from commissions and investigations that are gathering dust on his desk. An immediate problem that Cele brushes aside with one liners is the police perpetrating crimes in the first place. Our front page story this week is just one of many throughout the years that highlights the murderous elements within the service. Last week, we reported on officers approaching gangs to be placed on their payrolls. In the same story, we wrote about [KFC and Gatsbys being daily “perks” for working with the gangs](. The police service cannot disregard the law and the basic human rights of people, including suspected criminals. These are the words of police and security analyst Ziyanda Stuurman back in 2020 and they ring true every day. In 2020/2021, according to a report tabled by SAPS in parliament, over 10 000 civil claims were laid against the police, totalling over R16 billion. Part of the plan to cut down on the claims was for officers to “change their behaviour and avoid unlawful actions”, according to an[IOL report](. Human Rights Watch noted this year that there are serious concerns that remain about the[conduct and capacity of the South African Police Services]( particularly its compliance with lawful use of force. Now is the time for Cele to listen first, and open his mouth later. Until next week, The M&G newsroom Enjoy The Ampersand? Share it with your friends [Share]( [Share]( [Tweet]( [Tweet]( [Forward]( [Forward]( [Share]( [Share]( Copyright © 2022 Mail & Guardian Media LTD, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in to receive communications from the Mail & Guardian either at our website or by taking out a print subscription. Our mailing address is: Mail & Guardian Media LTD 25 Owl St BraamfonteinJohannesburg, Gauteng 2001 South Africa [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( here.