Human Rights Commission condemns attack on Joburg cops
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The South African Human Rights Commission has condemned the attack on law enforcement officials in the Johannesburg CBD on Thursday.
Johannesburg metro officers and the police were responding to a protest in Rahima Moosa Street when they came under attack.
Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said shop owners in the CBD had embarked on a violent protest when the police wanted to confiscate alleged fake goods they were selling.
"These attacks undermine the constitutional mechanisms that are designed to enhance our social fibre and maintain the rule of law. All inhabitants of the Republic must abide by the laws of the country without exception and allow law enforcement officials to conduct their duties without hindrance," the SAHRC said in a statement.
The commission called on the minister of police and management of law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to maintain law and order.
"We similarly urge communities to respect the law and refrain from preventing law enforcement officials from doing their jobs. Doing so is illegal. As communities, we must respect the role played by law enforcement officials in serving the community, safeguarding lives and property without discrimination," the commission said.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of parliament's portfolio committee on police, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, has also criticised the attacks on police.
“It is unacceptable that Johannesburg Metro Police Department and South African Police Service were stopped from doing their work as mandated by the law. SAPS and JMPD must go back into the area to successfully implement and conclude their operation,” said Joemat-Pettersson, adding that it was "untenable that there will be no-go areas in the country for law enforcement officers".