SAPS management asserts authority over isolated incidents
The South African Police Service Management in the Eastern Cape has so far expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the Police on the ground have exercised their authority in ensuring peace and stability during the countrywide Shutdown Protests.
This atmosphere of stability must be attributed to the strictest security measures put in place ahead of the national shutdown. The integration of law enforcement agencies has been deployed in various parts of the Province in order to prevent any possibility of criminal activities which could arise during the protest actions.
On the eve of the protest marches, some parts of the Eastern Cape have witnessed attempts by a few individuals to undermine the authority of the security forces in deployments. They burnt tyres and put rubble on the roads, but all their plans were frustrated by the alert police who were ready to stop their actions. All the national roads, highways and byways including business properties are operating well and without any serious incidents reported.
The SAPS is confident that the people of Eastern Cape including their property remain protected and safe. There is calm in all the areas where the criminal elements attempted to create a negative image of the Eastern Cape Province. Isolated incidents such as in Mdantsane in the early morning, were perpetrated by a few individuals who could not even be identified with known organisations. When the police arrived in those areas, the opportunistic criminal elements disappeared and they never resurfaced.
SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has once again warned against acts of criminality and unruly behaviours. “As the police we recognise the right of the people to protest as enshrined in the constitution, but if this right is abused and infringes on the rights of others, as security forces, we are obligated to act and act decisively against such elements. So far, I can confidently say we are in control of the situation, we have managed to drive away those who wanted to take advantage in the morning. There is calm as we speak and we continue to keep a close eye in the situation.” Lieutenant General Mene said.
Source: Government of South Africa