PRETORIA – South African President Jacob Zuma yesterday added to calls for tougher police firepower to allow faster action against gun-toting criminals in one of the world’s most violent societies.
‘My thinking is that once a criminal takes out the gun, the intention is clear. The police must then act to protect himself or herself and the citizens,’ Zuma said.Zuma was addressing more than 1 000 South African police station commanders, several government ministers and provincial leaders gathered to discuss the way forward in the fight against crime.’Police officers must not be trigger happy but at the same time they must protect themselves and protect the citizens,’ said Zuma whose comments drew loud applause from the police officers.South Africa is one of the world’s worst crime-hit countries with statistics released last week reflecting nearly 50 murders a day despite a slight drop in killings.Zuma’s government, which took office in May, has proposed an amendment to the country’s legislation that will allow police to act if the criminal is holding a gun without having to wait for a first shot to be fired.The current law allows police to use lethal force only if their lives or the lives of innocent bystanders are in danger. Nor are they allowed to shoot at fleeing suspects, even at the scene of a serious crime.The amendment is due to be tabled in parliament before the end of the year.The latest statistics showed a 0,2 per cent rise in crime in a nation already one of the most violent in the world despite murders dropping 3,2 percent, to 18 148, for the year ending in March.Violent crime generally was down 2,8 per cent, but house robberies jumped 27 per cent – affecting nearly a quarter of a million homes. – Nampa-AFP
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