Cop minister talks tough

We talk about trigger-happy police and not trigger-happy criminals,’

- Brian Sokutu

Bullish against the background of South Africa's crime index of 75.4, considered to be high, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has expressed confidence about the country regaining control over criminals - strongly justifying police shootings in response to attacks.

Addressing a media briefing on the sidelines of the three-day ANC national executive committee (NEC) lekgotla yesterday, Mchunu refuted claims that crime was "out of control" - saying the country was far from sliding into lawlessness seen in some countries in South America "where the mafia co-governs with government".

Reiterating his commitment to protect communities against criminals and for police to defend themselves, Mchunu called on South Africans to be "realistic on the shoot to kill" approach in instances when police were under fire from criminals.