Police in the North West would like to warn the community not to take part or attend marches or events that are not approved in terms of provisions of Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010 (Act 2 of 2010) or Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993 (Act 205 of 1993).
Participation or attendance of events, illegal marches or protests is exposing attendees or participants to safety risk. This is due to the fact that such events are likely to be held without checking and verifying of aspect like sufficient security, risk categorisation venue capacity and many others. It has since been established that in some instances, attendees and participants lose financially by paying for entry fees for illegal events that are not conducted as advertised.
It is significant that Conveners and Events Organisers do not advertise their events before meeting with Authorised member or Responsible officer in terms of provisions of Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010 (Act 2 of 2010) or Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993 (Act 205 of 1993) respectively.
The public is also requested not to carry any illegal and dangerous weapons in public or during illegal marches. It has come to the attention of the police that damages to property have been reported during protests marches. In terms of Dangerous Weapons Act, 2013 a person is liable upon conviction to a sentence not exceeding three years imprisonment for carrying dangerous weapon.
It is important that local police stations are engaged and enquiries made if one suspects that the event is not legal.
Media enquiries:
Col Sabata Mokgwabone, Media Head: Corporate Communication
Cell: 082 496 9642/ 082 856 0932
