Correction of reckless statements regarding shooting incident

12 January 2022 

As of yesterday’s court appearance of a law enforcement officer, no charge of murder has been made as falsely reported in Ndifuna Ukwazi’s release. The matter has instead been postponed to 12 April 2022 as further investigation is required to get to the truth.

Notwithstanding the due process of this ongoing investigation, Ndifuna Ukwazi have already concluded as fact that the officer and his weapon were not under threat.

However, witnesses at the scene concur that an altercation involving several persons took place which led to the officer’s weapon being discharged.

Despite not being on the scene at the time, Ndifuna Ukwazi are campaigning for endorsements of their version of events outside of due legal processes.

Law enforcement officers were responding to an open fire in an urban area, which is a hazard with potential consequences that our city and its residents know all too well.

Of South Africa’s metros, Cape Town already has the most comprehensive social development response to help people get off the streets sustainably. The City aims to continue building on this approach as no person should live on the streets. 

Accepting the daily offers of shelter and social assistance is the best choice for dignity, safety, and well-being. 

It must also be accepted that there are criminal elements on our streets, including repeat offenders with extensive criminal records.

LE and SAPS receive same SASSETA firearm training

The City further notes inaccurate statements around training of law enforcement officers.

Law Enforcement officers receive exactly the same accredited firearm training as SAPS officers, strictly following the nationally determined standards by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA).

SAPS issues the firearm competency certificates to City Law Enforcement officers.

In total, law enforcement officers undergo training amounting to six months, which includes both theoretical and supervised practical training.

Peace officer powers are conferred to Law Enforcement officers under the Criminal Procedure Act, and training for law enforcement covers all areas within these legal parameters. 

SAPS training timeframes differ only because of additional legislation and subject matter applicable to their constitutional mandate.

Issued by Media Office, City of Cape Town, 12 January 2022