Johannesburg – South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to protesters breaking the law in the country.
“Fellow South Africans, there is another matter of great national importance that I wish to address. In the past few days, we have seen sporadic but increasingly violent protests in some parts of the country,” Ramaphosa said during his address to the nation on the government’s latest response to the pandemic that the country is facing.
“Key infrastructure like national roads have been affected, slowing down the transportation of goods and services that keep our economy running,” Ramaphosa further said.
Ramaphosa said, “Property has been destroyed. Cars have been stoned. People have been intimidated and threatened, and some have even been hurt. Â These acts are endangering lives and damaging our efforts to rebuild the economy.”
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Our Constitution guarantees everyone’s right to express themselves and to engage in peaceful protest. While there are those who may be hurt and angry at this moment, there can never be any justification for such violent, destructive & disruptive actions.https://t.co/5djUXJq8ai
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 11, 2021
“It is a matter of concern to all South Africans that some of these acts of violence are based on ethnic mobilisation.”
NON TRIBALISMÂ
“This must be condemned by all South Africans at all costs as we are a nation committed to non-racialism and non-tribalism, underpinned by the diversity & unity of all the people of South Africa, whatever their language, culture, religious beliefs & race,” the president stated.
“Our commitment to our democratic Constitution is based on the fundamental principle that all people are equal before the law, and that all people have the right to equal protection before the law,” Ramaphosa further said.
The rule of law safeguards against the abuse of power.
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The rule of law protects the poor and the vulnerable.https://t.co/5djUXJq8ai— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 11, 2021
Constitutional Court
“Since the advent of democracy, institutions like the Constitutional Court have been at the forefront of improving the lives of South Africans,” Ramaphosa said.
Let us be clear, as a nation, that we will not tolerate acts of criminality.
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Those who are involved in acts of violence will be arrested and prosecuted.https://t.co/5djUXJq8ai— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 11, 2021
Without fear or favourÂ
“Those found guilty of breaking the lockdown regulations will receive the stipulated penalty. Â This will be done without fear or favour,” Ramaphosa warned.
“We also condemn attempts to create confusion by sharing false images and videos, often from events that took place many years ago. I ask that you think carefully before sharing anything on social media or elsewhere that may not be accurate or verified.”
The vast majority of this country’s citizens have shown that they want to live in peace and harmony.
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They want to work and earn a living. They want to see our country recover from this pandemic.
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We are confronting the COVID-19 pandemic together.https://t.co/5djUXJq8ai— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 11, 2021
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