This paper presents preliminary reflections1
on station-level discourse and practice in relation to violence and
authority in two police precincts. The data were gathered during the six months following the Marikana
massacre. The response of police who were not present at the mine shooting was to instinctively defend
criticism of their colleagues who were involved. The article presents information to suggest that many SAPS
members believe the use of violent force in the performance of their duties is necessary to gain the respect of
the communities they serve. The article considers this in relation to constructions of masculinity