The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa will tomorrow address the DefenceWeb’s Public Order Conference, which began today and ends tomorrow; focusing on crowd control.
In August this year, the Minister approved a policy to better manage public protests by police; which is aimed at providing a framework and guidelines for the police in policing public protests.
More recently, the country experienced a growing number of protest actions and unrests which, in some instances were accompanied by serious provocation, intimidation, public violence and even elements of criminality.
Due to a lack of clear policy and guidelines, the South African Police Service (SAPS) reacted with operational policy based on lessons learnt from a number of notable incidences involving the police and the public. The Ministry has noted and would like to clarify a misunderstanding by certain sectors; who were under the impression that Minister Mthethwa would address this conference today.
Since an invite was extended and the Minister’s subsequent acceptance, his office has been in liaison with the conference organisers and a confirmation of the Minister’s address was set for the 4th October 2011.
We extend our sincere apologies for any inconvenience which may have been caused on your part.
Date: Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Venue: Gallagher Estate, Midrand
Time: Minister scheduled to speak at 8h40
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi
082 045 4024
