15 October 2009

The Caucus of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) today requested the Speaker of the National Assembly to allow an urgent debate on the highly controversial 'shoot-to-kill' policy, that has caused widespread confusion amongst both members of the public and the police alike.

"The current widespread and dangerous uncertainty on when the police are authorised to 'shoot-to-kill' must be debated urgently, because this is in the public's interest," said Koos van der Merwe MP, IFP Chief Whip.

The IFP's request has been made against the backdrop of statements made by the Minister of Police and the Commissioner of Police that policemen and women are authorised to 'shoot-to-kill' under certain circumstances; and following the vicious killing of police officers in the line of duty, as well as the killing of innocent people by the SAPS.

Van der Merwe added that the IFP caucus believes that it is important to get absolute clarity on the 'shoot-to-kill' policy.

"The IFP is of the opinion that the uncertainty created by these different statements emanating from the Ministry of Police and within the media, could lead to the unnecessary deaths of policemen and ordinary citizens. We are therefore seeking an urgent debate which could provide all South Africans with the clarity that is so desperately needed," said van der Merwe.

Contact: Koos van der Merwe, 082 444 4944.