Note to Editors: Please see the attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Dr Roy Jankielsohn MPL, Leader of the Opposition in the Free State.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) cautiously welcomes the presentation today from Premier Sisi Ntombela and the Acting SAPS Free State Provincial Commissioner, Major-General Len Singh, and his team, on measures to deal with the possible acts of violence which may occur in the Free State.
This follows a letter from the DA to the Premier last month requesting an urgent meeting between the Premier, relevant law enforcement and leaders from the political parties represented in the Free State Legislature on the state of preparedness of the province, after the violent unrest and looting in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng.
The brief presentation from law enforcement did not supply specific detail in terms of what measures have been put in place. However, references were made by law enforcement to having intelligence on unrest and other general issues, with a firm commitment that mitigating measures are in place. The presentation did not acknowledge or recognise the serious political threats to our democracy and the role of politicians in instigating protests in the province. It appears that dysfunctional municipalities and poor service delivery, especially water and electricity interruptions, as well as some labour related unrest, are the most pressing concerns to the SAPS.
This is especially concerning when considering that the former Premier, Ace Magashule, is scheduled to appear before the Bloemfontein High Court on the 11 August 2021 to face criminal charges related to the Asbestos Housing Contracts, which might have the potential to prompt civil disobedience. The Premier made a firm commitment that there would be no incidents during this court case and Maj-Gen Singh made a firm “promise” that if the law is broken, the SAPS will act.
Furthermore, as we witnessed during the last appearances of Mr Magashule in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, these types of activities have the potential to become super spreader events due to the lack of adherence to Covid-19 protocols by the supporters and followers of Mr Magashule.
Free Staters have already had their lives and livelihoods impacted upon by the Covid-19 pandemic and service delivery protests. Our people in the province are predominantly peace loving and now require political consolation. We hope that our law enforcement will not let their guard down when Mr Magashule and his supporters gather in Bloemfontein next week.
The DA will ensure that both the Premier and law enforcement are held accountable for protecting Free Staters and ensuring stability in the province.