National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) Co-Chairperson Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant- General Tebello Mosikili has warned that anyone found carrying weapons during demonstrations against undocumented foreign nationals will face the full force of the law. She urged protesters to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully, stressing that law enforcement agencies will not tolerate violence, intimidation, damage to property, or the possession of dangerous weapons during the demonstrations. Mosikili says, “On the carrying of weapons, we continuously reiterate and stress on the constitution
and the laws of the country. In terms of the Constitution, it expressly indicates that when you demonstrate, it should be distinct from any other event that is intended for expressing our cultural rights, hence we want to stress the Dangerous Weapons Act.” She says, “We do arrest where it’s necessary those that continue to brandish and carry violently the weapons being addressed. Some of the cases that persons have been charged with include public violence, damage to property, includes assault and it includes murder.”
CALL FOR RESTRAINT Faith leaders have called for restraint ahead of protests against undocumented migrants in the country. The leaders held an emergency meeting at Gatesville Mosque in Cape Town in the Western Cape to address the humanitarian crisis affecting foreign nationals who have been displaced. Western Cape Council of Churches Deputy Chairperson, Rev Ruth Jonas, says violence and intimidation cannot be used to address the deeper crisis facing the country. Jonas says, “Though we recognise the constitutional right to protest, tomorrow (Tuesday) cannot become
a day of fear. It cannot become a day of destruction. It cannot become a day of intimidation. It cannot become a day in which a neighbour turns against a neighbour. Our Constitution protects the right to protest, but it rejects hatred.” RELATED VIDEO | Soweto residents march over illegal immigration: Reporting by Ntombi Sithubi and Andile Mbanjwa.
Natjoints, Tebello Mosikili, demonstrations, undocumented foreign nationals, Dangerous Weapons Act, police warning, faith leaders, Gatesville Mosque, Rev Ruth Jonas, Cape Town, protest