Day after day this week, last week and for months before then we have had to report about cops killed on duty.

Day after day this week, last week and for months before then we have had to report about cops killed on duty.

Yesterday it was about an inspector shot after arresting an AK-47-wielding gunman in Bez Valley, Johannesburg. On Tuesday it was about an amiable senior detective called to the scene of a family squabble in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.

The story is repeated with minor changes ad nauseam.

Let the sociologists debate the causes and politicians the consequences, but it's time we, the good people, stand up and help end the mayhem.

Despite their failings, day after day our cops put their bodies on a thin blue line between the overwhelming majority of decent people and violent anarchy.

And for that alone they deserve our unqualified respect and support.

Go out and hug your constable on the beat to let him know you care. But more importantly, protect him and his office even when he's not around. Don't allow friends to disparage cops or treat them like dirt. And encourage everyone you know to help the cops protect us.

For only in a climate of affection, respect and support for our cops will thugs realise there is nowhere to hide once you pull a gun on an officer.

And if you do know anyone who was fool enough to gun down a cop, go to a phone and pimp the loser right now.