Lawlessness and escalation of violent protests in EC

South African Police Service

Lawlessness and escalation of violent protests in EC
Lawlessness and escalation of violent protests in EC

The recent escalation of violent protests in various parts of the Eastern Cape has been viewed with great concern by the SAPS Management.

These concerns come in the wake of service delivery protests that have been characterized by blockades, burning of tyres on the road and reported intimidation of business owners. Various attempts to bring the protesters to the negotiation table have been made, to explore amicable resolutions to the challenges, but there seems to be no change.

The South African Police Service recognize the right of every individual and community to protest, however if that right infringes on the constitutional right of other people within the communities, the police are obligated by law to act. Damage to property and disruptions at schools are acts of criminality which are punishable by law. People are urged to refrain from these activities.

People and in particular the Youth, must not forget that by being involved in arson, damages to property including other serious forms of crime, they are injuring their own future. Once arrested and charged, they will have criminal records which impacts on their prospects for employment opportunities. For this reason, young people must refuse to be used by adults in criminal activities to achieve their own selfish end.

Lawlessness and violent approach to resolving grievances cannot be tolerated. Professional ways and means of dealing with service delivery concerns, must be found and adopted by all.

Two suspects aged 35 were arrested in Ibika, Butterworth on Wednesday for Public Violence.

They appeared in Butterworth Court today, 14 February 2020 and were released on a warning to return to court on 3 April 2020.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service