Police deserve more respect from public

It is indeed disquieting when police officers are supposed to protect us are killed by criminals. I am saddened by the loss of the men and woman in blue who have died in the line of duty in South Africa.

On behalf of all South Africans I want to extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I believe it undermines the proper functioning of the criminal justice-system. A functional criminal justice-system is key to the protection of human rights and stability of the country’s democracy.

The police put their own lives on the line to ensure our country is a safer place. Their deaths should also remind us that the police who are often criticized, should be praised and acknowledged for their work. The police must command better respect from the communities they serve.

The least we can do to contribute towards building a safe and more secure society is by partnering with the police and reporting any criminal activity. I urge government to punish these killers harshly.

ROY NAIDOO

Darnall