ALKMAAR- Provincial police say they are on high alert and will maintain a visible presence ahead of the national demonstration scheduled for June 30.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, emphasised this during the Provincial Launch on the State of Readiness, which he described as a declaration of preparedness, discipline, and constitutional duty.
READ | Mpumalanga sees decline in crime rate except for sexual offences
Referring to Section 12 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to safety, Major General Mkhwanazi said every person, business, school, hospital, and commuter has the right to be free from violence and intimidation.
He said public order and critical infrastructure, including the N4 corridor, government buildings, and essential services, must remain open and safe.
“It will be business as usual on the 30th. This means we have a lot to do to ensure that people are safe on that day. We will not allow criminal elements to hijack the protest. Lawlessness will be met with lawful, firm, and professional policing,” he warned.
READ MORE | Police foil business robbery
He further appealed to those who intend to participate in the march to respect the law, noting that crime intelligence is currently monitoring the situation.
“No property must be destroyed, no tyres must be set alight, no shops must be looted, and Public Order Policing will ensure that crowds are managed. Our job is to protect communities, and members are expected to be restrained, impartial, and respectful,” he concluded.
Other stakeholders present included the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), Community Police Forum (CPF), South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), and Business Against Crime.
