Phiyega concerned about police coming under attack during protest

Lusanda Bill
04 September 2014

National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega has raised concerns regarding reported attacks on members of the South African Police Service. 

This follows several violent protest actions across the country including Nyanga, Ganspan and Mbilwi village. 

Phiyega in a statement said it is unacceptable that police are targeted by mobs when they are simply conducting their work to try and maintain law and order during protest actions. 

Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale said National Commissioner wishes to inform the public that the police respect anyone’s right to protest however the law states that protest must take place in a peaceful manner, and those who engage in the protest should not be carrying dangerous weapons.

Makgale said as and when police come in to maintain law and order which is our constitutional mandate they are then targeted with stones and sometimes even with petrol bombs.

“This kind of situation is not acceptable and we urge all community members to respect the law” Makgale added.