The Portfolio Committee on Police has noted comments attributed to the Chairperson of the Premier Soccer League, Dr Irvin Khoza, that there was inadequate deployment of the South African Police Service (Saps) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, where violence erupted after a soccer match.

The Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Mr Francois Beukman, highlighted that this a concern, if true, as the police have a critical role to play as per the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.

The committee notes the announcement by the Acting Provincial Commissioner to institute an investigation into the matter. “This investigation must be expedited to ensure that any shortcomings are addressed as a matter of urgency,” Mr Beukman emphasised.

The use of violence to highlight unhappiness remains a worrying trend in the country and requires societal introspection, as vandalism of infrastructure does not resolve anything.
 
The committee also welcomes the arrest of 12 suspected rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park over the past five days. These arrests highlight the work accomplished by stakeholders to deal with rhino poaching. “The committee is, however, concerned that among those arrested is a police officer based in Skukuza police station. This points to the presence of corrupt elements among the police, which undermines the rule of law they are mandated to uphold,” Mr Beukman said.
 
The committee has called for lifestyle audits and vetting of all police officers near national parks in order to rid the Saps of corrupt elements.
 
In North West, the committee notes the spread of protests to Taung, Delareyville and Vryburg. The committee maintains its call for the community to hold peaceful protests. “Peaceful protest is protected by the Constitution, but these rights bestow the responsibility of order and peace on protesters,” Mr Beukman said.
 
The committee calls on the police to continue its work of ensuring peace and stability in the area and has emphasised maximum restraint in dealing with the protesters.  
 

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Francois Beukman