The Law Society of SA on Friday added its voice to condemnation of Deputy Safety and Security Minister Susan Shabangu's "shoot the bastards" call to police.

"Statements that may simplistically respond to populist views and confuse members of the public into acting unlawfully and taking the law into their own hands, are irresponsible," the society's co-chairmen, Vincent Saldanha and CP Fourie, said in a statement.

Gun owners, whether members of the public or the police, had to be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities in using firearms.

"There should be no confusion in the minds of the public or the SAPS," they said.

Sapa