The South African Police Union would like to commend the police officers who were involved in a shootout with a group of alleged armed robbers who were reportedly on their way to commit a robbery in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal last Wednesday evening.

The South African Police Union would like to commend the police officers who were involved in a shootout with a group of alleged armed robbers who were reportedly on their way to commit a robbery in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal last Wednesday evening.

During the shootout five alleged armed robbers were shot dead. Though it is unfortunate that so many lives were lost, there was no other way as these ruthless thugs would have killed innocent people if they had their way.

We are of the view that the shooting and killing of the robbers would send a clear message to others.

It is totally unacceptable that in KZN alone about 24 police officers were killed during the past eight months.

The South African Police Union does not condone the killing of suspects by the police. However, if police officers are under attack they have to protect themselves.

We will continue to call upon the safety and security and justice ministries to convene a national summit on police killings.

We have to come with ways to stop these senseless and barbaric murders of police officers. We will also maintain our appeal for the introduction of legislation that will treat police killings as treason and therefore maximum sentences be imposed on those found guilty of killing police officers.

Oscar Skommere, acting general secretary: SAPU