Deadly force under fire

FOCUS ON POLICE: COMMISSION REVIEWS ACTIONS ALLOWED IN ARRESTS

- Thando Nondywana

Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which governs the use of deadly force by police officers, is again being reviewed by the South African Law Reform Commission.

Among the proposed amendments, open for public comment, is tightening the regulations on how and when officers can use lethal force during an arrest.

Gareth Newton of the Institute for Security Studies said the laws surrounding self-defence and the defence of others are not affected.

"The controversy lies in the fact that this law allows police to shoot at someone who is not posing an immediate threat.

"The concern is that officers might mistakenly shoot a suspect who turns out to be innocent.

"The real debate is whether this law provides enough safeguards to ensure that police are targeting the right individuals.