The tragic killing of Warrant Officer Norman John by a prisoner at the Pinetown police station once again places focus on the safety of police personnel.
“This recent incident that saw the tragic killing of a dedicated, hard-working police officer and two of his colleagues being seriously injured at the police station whilst on duty, is a sad reminder that police officers and members of the public are not safe even in a police station. It is reported that Warrant Officer John went into the cell to separate two inmates who were fighting when he was disarmed and shot dead. Whilst this incident demonstrates the courage and commitment of the police officers involved, it also throws a spotlight on the dangerous environment in which our crime prevention personnel now operate”, said IFP Spokesperson on Community Safety, Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL.
“Criminals have become so brazen that they have little or no respect for the law and are prepared to attack police officers even in a police station. This level of lawlessness must not be tolerated. We call on the Minister of Police, his provincial MECs and their respective departments to act swiftly in coming up with measures that will prevent such incidents,” continued Mr Gwala.
“We cannot have police officers being threatened and/or killed whilst in the line of duty. We cannot allow community safety be threatened to such an extent that the very social fabric of society is destroyed and people cannot go about their daily lives with peace of mind. We convey our condolences to Warrant Officer John’s wife, family and colleagues, and wish the injured officers a speedy and full recovery”, concluded Mr Gwala.
