Killing of policemen slammed in parliament

Cop shot in feud between farmers

Parliament’s portfolio committee on police has condemned the murder of a police officer in Koffiefontein‚ Free State.

“It is unacceptable that officers of the law continue to be killed especially while they are on duty and carrying out their duties‚” said committee chairperson Francois Beukman. “The committee remains of the view that the killing and attack of police officers is a direct attack on the rule of law and the constitution of the country‚” he said. Constable Vuyani March died during a shootout between two feuding farmers on a farm near Koffiefontein on Thursday evening.

“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Constable Vuyani March. The committee calls on the SAPS not to be deterred by these attacks and has urged the public to continue working with the law enforcement authorities to deal decisively with this scourge. The committee further wishes the wounded officer a speedy recovery.” The committee also condemned an attack on police officers in Philippi East‚ Western Cape‚ who were responding to information about an illegal firearm in the area. “The SAPS must leave no stone unturned in working to rid our society of criminal elements as well as illegal firearms.”