The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga have noted with concern, a number of SMS’s and statements doing the rounds and going viral on social media. One such statement purporting to be an early warning refers to the strife and mayhem that unfolded at Kanyamazane during the past week as well as more still to come.
Violent service delivery protests erupted in the area leading to roads being blockaded with burning tyres and debris, looting of foreign owned shops and a major retail liquor outlet as well as rampant lawlessness. There was a complete shutdown that disrupted schooling and major socio economic life in the area.
The statement warns of continued strife where there are plans “to target all government buildings i.e. schools, clinics and municipalities around Kanyamazane starting from Sunday 19 August 2018, afternoon to continue with the strike /protest action.”
Threats to burn down a major retail chain store because of rivalry and limiting of opportunities to their competitors as well as an array of other accusations are also made in the statement. It is also mentioned that local taxi owners and drivers will also join the protest to barricade the adjacent N4 national road, using their taxis.
While the origins and authenticity of the statement and others are currently unknown, the SAPS have a duty to protect all inhabitants and their property as enshrined in the Constitution of the country. Hence, the position of the SAPS in response to the statements is that, law and order has to prevail at all time. Members of the dignified blue will therefore not stand idle and watch while lawlessness prevail. Anyone who breaks the law will therefore feel and face its full might, as a result.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma has, in the past issued numerous warnings on illegal protests. He reiterated the position that everyone has the right to protest on any matter that they feel strongly about, as long as that protest is undertaken within the prescripts and confines of the law.
Blockading of roads, looting of businesses, destruction of property and infrastructure is unacceptable and will therefore, not be tolerated at any time during protest action.
“All people in the country have the right to freedom of movement and freedom of association, hence no one should unfairly and without due cause infringe those fundamental rights”, said General Zuma.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
