The IFP and the Christian Democratic Alliance expressed concern on Wednesday over President Jacob Zuma's shoot-to-kill comments to police officers.

"If officers act on the president's direction, they will find themselves vulnerable to challenges in court. And courts will only work with legislation, not with what the president said," said IFP police spokesperson Velaphi Ndlovu in a statement.

"An amendment needs to be signed and come into force before officers can safely act on these words."

He said the IFP "applauded" a tougher stance against criminals but warned that it should be "coupled with increased accountability and greater discipline" among policemen and women.

Meanwhile, the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA) said the government should not resort to "draconian measures" to curb crime.

"Criminals have turned South Africa into a wild west scenario ? government should be careful not to react in the same way," CDA chairperson Theunis Botha said in a statement.

"It is only proper policing done by fully trained policemen and an effective, highly qualified and independent judiciary that will reduce crime in South Africa and return the country to internationally accepted norms," said Botha.

Zuma on Tuesday expressed support for an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act to give the police more lenience to shoot criminals.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa later said along with the amendment, the power of the Independent Complaints Directorate would also be enhanced.