A man who allegedly assaulted a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) during a march in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, appeared in court on Thursday.
The Tuesday march, led by organisation March and March, attracted more than 2,000 participants. It got out of control, however, when some protestors reportedly entered a residential complex.
“It was during this period when the police officer was reportedly assaulted and sustained some injuries as he was busy trying to maintain order. Without hesitation, police acted immediately and stamped its authority by arresting a 31-year-old male suspect for assault of the member,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
During the same march, police arrested undocumented foreign nationals.
“During the same march, there were foreign nationals that were suspected to be in the country illegally, however, police in conjunction with officials from the Department of Home Affairs, conducted an operation. About 39 foreign nationals were processed where 27 were cleared and released after verification. Meanwhile, 12 remained and were charged with Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa after discovering that they had no valid documentation to be in the country,” explained Ndubane.
Ndubane also said that members of the SAPS confiscated approximately 64 grams of suspected drugs, and recovered six cellular phones, a laptop, and a toy gun with a holster.
“Two laptops, a packet of sea salt, and a red box containing cash were recovered as well, then handed back to their lawful owners,” said Ndubane.
All arrested suspects appeared at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, cautioned against those who attack members of the police or law enforcement officers.
“We want to put it clear that we will never tolerate lawlessness nor acts of violence and vigilantism. We will surely act against those who attack our members and deal decisively with those who undermines the rule of law. People have the right to protest, however, this should be done within the ambit of the law,” said Mkhwanazi.
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- A man allegedly assaulted a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer during a march in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, and appeared in court on Thursday.
- The march, involving over 2,000 participants and led by March and March, escalated when some protesters entered a residential complex.
- Police arrested 39 undocumented foreign nationals during the march; 27 were released after verification while 12 faced charges under the Immigration Act.
- Authorities confiscated suspected drugs (64 grams), six cell phones, a laptop, a toy gun with a holster, and recovered other items that were returned to their owners.
- Mpumalanga SAPS officials condemned violence against officers, emphasizing that protests must be conducted lawfully and warning against lawlessness and vigilantism.
A man who allegedly assaulted a member of the
“It was during this period when the police officer was reportedly assaulted and sustained some injuries as he was busy trying to maintain order.
"
“Two laptops, a packet of sea salt, and a red box containing cash were recovered as well, then handed back to their lawful owners," said
All arrested suspects appeared at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on
"We want to put it clear that we will never tolerate lawlessness nor acts of violence and vigilantism. We will surely act against those who attack our members and deal decisively with those who undermines the rule of law. People have the right to protest, however, this should be done within the ambit of the law," said
Also Read: 'Phakel' umthakathi defamed me as Minister, not PAC leader' - Mzwanele
