This was revealed by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa during the Mpumalanga Safety and Security Summit in Secunda on Friday.

"We have consistently emphasised that protests are a democratic and constitutional right of every citizen to express themselves. However, what the Constitution does not prescribe are violent and barbaric destruction of property and intolerant conducts, including provoking and touting police.

"One of the things we have tasked police to do is use water cannons during protests instead of rubber bullets," he said.

This will be applicable immediately.

He said when one looked at the current legislation, somehow police were expected to solve even matters that were beyond their control.

"You have a case of domestic violence or spousal violence, wherein a husband abuses a wife.

"Have we addressed the issue holistically by arresting the abuser? We do not think so.

"In most cases police do not have the capability to sort out relationship problems."

Mthethwa's spokesman Zweli Mnisi said efforts would be made to recruit officers. "The minister made it clear that we lose some of our skillful officers because their skills are not noticed and we need to change that."

• This article was first published on 6 August 2012

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Mon May 20 19:29:40 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 6, 2012

Msiphos00

So that is the reason why the TRT (Amaberet) are using their fists, in place of rubber bullets
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

FreddyG

What!!!!!! No more rubber, if it's not rubber then it's lead. Ayeye mphakathi!
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

MommaC

Anyone else get the impression that Nathi is completely clueless?
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

LBS

Why should the police even attend protests?
Mobs can get out of control, burn, break and intimidate others but the police cannot respond in kind or with reasonable force?
Let mob rule take over, let anarchy thrive - let the criminals rule.
Oh sorry, they already do!!!!
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

Kef

lol.
The rubber bullet company is going to record a loss for this financial year for the 1st time in years. They made a killing in 2010 with the matches/protests that happened then.
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

Maratachelete

@Msiphos,

Amabharete just moer however they come across,they don't ask questions.When they visit a family they suspect of illegal dealings,they waltz in,moer everyone until the person they are looking for is identified.They cause havoc I tell you.
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

papamasentlelebonolo

The cops have just been given permission to use bullets now watch n learn
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

Shredder

@He said when one looked at the current legislation, somehow police were expected to solve even matters that were beyond their control.

"You have a case of domestic violence or spousal violence, wherein a husband abuses a wife.

"Have we addressed the issue holistically by arresting the abuser? We do not think so.

"In most cases police do not have the capability to sort out relationship problems."
======================================================================
What a joke! They are number one in those cases. The next thing they become buddy buddies with the lady and want get into her panties. Mxccm!! They also respond quick if the father can spank the child
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

RobinH

Mr Mthetwa: WHere do you get your ideas from? This is crazy. Civilian behaviour in SA uis deteriorating at a rapid rate but you break the teeth of the police. What a skaap!!!
Report Abuse

Aug 6, 2012

OLDLADY4

Sad, wasting a precious and scarce natural resource such as water on a bunch of thugs. Lead to replace rubber, would be my take on things.
Report Abuse

Read all 26 comments