Mpumalanga police warn against hijacking June 30 protest

Simon Nare

Mpumalanga provincial police commissioner Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi has thrown down the gauntlet and warned elements planning to hijack the June 30 demonstration over illegal immigration that they will meet the full might of the law.

Mkhwanazi, addressing the state of readiness in the province, said it will be business as usual and no roads will be closed, no government offices will be closed for business and protesters should stick to set boundaries.   

“We will not let criminal elements to hijack the moment of responsible protest. Lawlessness will be met with lawful, firm and professional policing. We are appealing to all those who will be marching and protesting to respect the law.

“No shop must be broken into. No shop must be looted. I hope you hear me very well today. I don’t want to hear anything from Gert Sibande that people were burning tyres, people there in