The Independent Complaints Directorate investigated 367 incidents of fatal shootings by members of the SA Police Service between 1 April and 31 December last year, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Tuesday.

In written reply to a parliamentary question by Leonard Ramatlakane of the Congress of the People, he said 359 of the victims were suspects where police officers acted in self-defence, while eight were innocent bystanders.

He also denied the existence of any "shoot to kill" policy in the department, saying "shoot to kill" was a creation of the media.