The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) says it is pleased with the manner in which security forces policed Wednesday’s nationwide marches and demonstrations.
Law enforcement agencies, led by the South African Police Service, were deployed to ensure that public order was maintained in protest marches which took place in all major cities throughout the country by labour federation Cosatu.
Acting NatJOINTS chairperson, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, said the nationwide deployment was primarily to ensure that all protestors were given the space to exercise their Constitutional rights, and that non-protesting citizens could conduct their normal business in a safe and secure environment.
Mawela said no major incidents of violence or damage to property were reported.
“What is even more encouraging is that the protestors responded to our call for non-violence, which made policing the demonstrations much easier. One can conclude that the security forces and the protestors conducted themselves very responsibly.”
NatJOINTS thanked the organisers and marshals for their cooperation and support in ensuring that the march was peaceful. - SAnews.gov.za
