An exploration of Johannesburg metropolitan police killings

Abstract

The work of metropolitan police officers is fraught with numerous on-the-job risks and accidents while responding to emergencies or performing potentially dangerous tasks. It is against this backdrop that the aim of this study was to explore the extent, causes, and consequences of the killing of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officers in areas within the City of Johannesburg jurisdiction. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and exploratory case study design with target population of thirty purposively sampled Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officers and three directors. Semi-structured interviews were applied as the predominant means for the primary data collection. Both content analysis and thematic coding were applied to develop a framework for the study findings. The study established that accidents, high crime rates, lack of equipment, lack of training, and violence were among the main causes of the deaths of officers while on duty. The study recommends that training, more equipment, and an amendment to the existing policy should be implemented to prevent further deaths of the officers.