The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Bheki Cele, has been continuously and comprehensively briefed on developments in Ermelo, Mpumalanga since violence broke out yesterday.
General Cele has been advised that, in anticipation of the situation becoming severe, Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Thulani Ntobela, deployed additional SAPS members, including top-ranking officers, to the area to take command and control of police operations. However, an escalation of violence which included the burning of tyres, hurling of stones and firing of live ammunition by some demonstrators as well as the assault of a media crew in this area, has demanded higher intervention.
The National Commissioner has since instructed that a team of highly skilled police members, including those experienced in crowd control, be deployed to Ermelo immediately.
The SAPS will take all reasonable measures necessary to restore peace and stability in the area.
“There is no place in South Africa for indiscriminate acts of public violence and criminality and those who attack law enforcement officials will most certainly be brought to book,” said General Cele. Dozens of protestors have already been taken into custody.
The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa has noted with concern and strongly condemned the disturbing situation that is unfolding. “While people have the constitutional right to express their dissatisfaction with any service delivery issue affecting them, they need to do so within the boundaries of the law”.
He said that government will not allow criminality to creep in during any legitimate protest or raising of issues. “We shall not tolerate any such opportunistic behavior in cases where we discover people who damage properties, assault and intimidate society, including members of the media, as we have noted. Police will act decisively and toughly,” stated Minister Mthethwa.
Enquiries:
Brigadier Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658
Major General Mbatha
Cell: 083 645 6252
Source: South African Police Service
