In a somber revelation, the Hawks head, Godfrey Lebeya, announced that a distressing total of 22 police officers were brutally murdered in South Africa between September and November of last year.
This disheartening statistic was disclosed during a press briefing held to analyze the performance of the unit for the third quarter of the 2023/2024 period. Out of the 22 officers killed, 12 were off duty, while the remaining 10 were on duty at the time of the attacks.
Although the number of police killings appears to have decreased compared to the previous quarter, during which 35 were recorded, the fact that 22 lives were lost over a span of just three months still paints a grim picture. This means that, on average, one police officer was tragically killed every four days during this period.
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During the press briefing, Lebeya emphasized that any attack on police officers is tantamount to an attack on the State itself. He sternly stated that even a single death is deemed “unacceptable” and deeply lamentable.
Despite these tragic circumstances, Lebeya did highlight some progress in combating these heinous crimes. He informed the audience that 12 individuals were arrested for their involvement in these murders, and three individuals were successfully convicted during the period under review.
Comparatively, in the previous quarter, 37 arrests were made, resulting in 10 convictions. While these numbers indicate some progress, it is evident that more needs to be done to protect the lives of those who serve and protect the citizens of South Africa.
The loss of these brave officers is a stark reminder of the dangers they face daily in their pursuit of upholding law and order. It is crucial that the authorities continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of law enforcement personnel, while also striving to bring those responsible for these senseless acts of violence to justice.
Together, as a society, we must support and honor the sacrifices made by these fallen heroes, and work towards a safer and more secure future for all.
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