Police Minister Bheki Cele says he remains unapologetic about members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) "aggressive" and "decisive" response to fighting crime.
He made the utterance during a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, when he gave feedback on policing successes and takedown operations.
Cele defended the conduct of the country's cops amid widespread criticism over their alleged heavy-handedness with criminals.
He reiterated that "no officer should die with a gun in their hand."
On Wednesday last week, nine armed robbery suspects were shot and killed during a shootout with police at Desai in Mariannhill, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The shootout happened in the early hours of the morning when members of the KZN Stabilisation Team pounced on a group of 11 suspects who left a reign of terror in their wake in the community.
The suspects were also sought in connection with murder, various house robberies, and the gang rape of a girl during a house robbery.
Police have launched a manhunt for the two that escaped.
"There is no doubt that these criminals are ruthless and arrogant. Their actions show that they will eliminate anyone who stands in their way.
"Criminals have waged a war on communities. They are so brazen by testing the authority of the state by attacking police officers.
"It is on this score that police remain unapologetic in their aggressive and decisive response to crime."
According to Cele, 109 police officers were killed over the past 11 months.
Thirty-six were killed in the line of duty.
He said the murder of cops is not being taken as seriously as that of criminals and that it "pains" him.
Cele said the cops who lose their lives are young policemen and women, noting that he attended the funeral of a 26-year-old who had been on duty for only two years.
Policing Successes and takedown operations of SAPS:
