Officers feel threatened as cop killings increase
“Our lives are threatened while we serve and protect”
The news of the killing of two on-duty Boksburg North police officers on October 14 has sent shock waves through the SAPS ranks, with many officers admitting that they are working in fear.
The officers, Constable Khotso Malahlela (29) and Sergeant Vusimuzi Batsha (45) were shot and killed while attending to a call of unnatural death in Witfield.
The officers were on the scene, waiting for the mortuary van to arrive when the incident took place.
Speaking to the Benoni City Times, Colonel Khubulani Ndaba, Vispol commander at the Benoni SAPS, said members are growing more concerned about their personal safety as police killings increase.
“Officers are attacked while trying to protect the community they serve. It is demoralising and our officers are carrying the psychological burden,” he said.
“SAPS members are now approaching every call and interaction with the community on an extremely high alert. It is not an easy place to work from when the threat of danger is always present.”
Although the police have access to a broad range of counsellors, chaplains and spiritual leaders as part of the organisation’s employee health and wellness programme, officers seldom find the time to make use of these counselling services.
“We find that the cycle of violence and trauma experienced by members often leaves very little time between incidents for members to properly debrief,” he said.
“The psychological burden that members carry is immense.”
He said that given the current level of violence directed at SAPS members, many officers approach every case with heightened apprehension and fear.
“Although our members remain committed to the badge and the oath they have taken to serve and protect, we need the support of the community,” said Ndaba.
“Through continuous information sharing, members will be better equipped when responding to calls for assistance.”
He appealed to the community to remain calm and respectful when approached by SAPS members.
“Through communication, any misunderstandings about each individual’s intention can be eliminated. We are not monsters in uniform, we are dedicated officers who ultimately want to return home to our families.”
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