OPINION Counter cop killings

YET MORE South African police officers have met their end at the hands of criminals in the past few days. The latest victims died in Gauteng in yet more gruesome circumstances.

The office of the national commissioner of police, General Khehla John Sitole, said the latest killing was on Tuesday at about 5am when a 43-year-old reservist constable and a warrant officer were responding to a complaint at Ekangala, near Bronkhorstspruit.

Arriving at the scene, the constable approached four men, who fired several shots at the constable, killing him instantly. His service firearm was taken.

Such unprovoked incidents speak of a section of society that has lost respect for police officers.

While figures of officers who have died at the hands of attackers for this financial year will only be available next month, a number of SAPS members have died since the beginning of the year.

The country is still recovering from the shock felt four months ago when gunmen stormed the Ngcobo police station in the Eastern Cape, killing five police officers and a former soldier.

Authorities say there have been at least six attacks on police stations countrywide over the past two years. SAPS figures show 57 officers died in the 2016/17 financial year at the hands of criminals, and 79 the year before. This is disheartening – and unacceptable. Police Minister Bheki Cele promised that the fight against police killings would be given more impetus.

An exasperated, distressed society demands action and is eager to see truly effective counter-crime strategies. The turnaround starts with active public co-operation with police, and police winning back confidence from those they serve.

The police must also take back respect from criminals.