Police Minister Bheki Cele says he will not tolerate femicide and abuse of women even in the police force.
He says that several officers have been killed by their partners but a wave of change is coming.
Cele has been addressing the National Police Day in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.
A stern warning from the Police Minister, saying women are dying daily at the hands of their loved ones, including those within his police force.
Cele addressed thousands of off duty officers donned in civilian clothes.
The minister called on female law enforcement officers to not tolerate abuse and to report perpetrators.
“Female police officers must retaliate and not let criminals take over the streets – to continue fighting crime and not be abused even within the force.”
He has urged law enforcement agencies to continue fighting against criminal forces.
The event was held in the troubled Northern areas, known for gang violence.
The community also weighed in on the event calling for more police visibility.
Khoi and San activist Christian Martin says: “The fact that they happy that the police are commemorating fallen hero’s but the fact remains the area they live in needs more visible policing because the gang violence is killing innocent children and men.”
Police Day is celebrated to reflect on the previous year and to appreciate serving members as well as to pay homage to fallen heroes.
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