South Africa police shootings rise by 25%

South Africa has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world.

The number of people killed by South African police was up by more than 25% on the previous year, new figures show. The Independent Complaints Directorate say that 556 people died from April 2008 to March 2009.

The news comes as politicians debate an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act about the use of force by police.

Editor's Comment
Prosecutors deserve better

These legal professionals, who are entrusted with upholding the rule of law, face numerous challenges that compromise their ability to effectively carry out their duties.Elsewhere in this edition, we carry a story on the lamentations of the officers of court.The prosecutors have raised a number of concerns, calling for urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders, including the President, Minister of Justice and the Attorney General. Their...

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