KWAZULU-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, has told police not to hesitate in defending themselves with all available resources when they come under attack.

He said these words after a police officer, W/O Ndabenhle Zwane was killed in a Hammarsdale shoot-out on Monday.

Kaunda paid his respects and conveyed his condolences to the Zwane family at their home at Mpophomeni outside Howick.

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Eight suspects died during the gun-battle with the police and six high calibre firearms were recovered

Kaunda said police have a legal and a Constitutional duty to defend themselves and innocent civilians when they are targeted by criminals.

“Police have been trained and they must use their skills and capabilities in defending themselves when their lives are in danger.”

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Kaunda described Zwane as a hero who died in the cause of defending the people and urged the police to stand firm and united in fighting criminals.

“Police must not be shaken by these incidents. They must never surrender to criminals. They have clearly declared war against us and we must fight back,” he said.

A total of five police officers have been killed in KZN since the beginning of this year (two killed in the line of duty and three killed off duty).

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