Cop killers to now also be charged in civil cases, says Mchunu

CAPE TOWN - Cases related to police killings now have a unit dedicated to pursuing civil cases against those who kill officers. 

The latest crime statistics have revealed that 17 cops were killed between July and September this year. 

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu delivered the second quarter crime statistics on Monday afternoon.

Over and above being charged with murder and serving prison time, those who are found guilty of killing police officers in South Africa will also be charged in a civil case.

Delivering the second quarter crime statistics on Monday afternoon, Mchunu said this would send a strong message to those who dare to think they are above the law. 

"Those who continue to venture into killing police, not only do they get arrested, processed in court and sentenced but we pursue them civilly and therefore you must be extremely uncomfortable, if not uncomfortable throughout your life."

Seventeen police officers were killed in the country between July and September.