Staff Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned those involved in violent protests which started in KwaZulu-Natal a few days ago and have now spread to other parts of the country saying they will be met by the full might of the law.
The protests which have seen property worth about R100 million destroyed in KZN alone, were started by people calling for the release of former president Jacob Zuma who was jailed for 15 months last week for contempt of court.
The protests have also erupted in Gauteng and Mpumalanga where people have been looting businesses and attacking motorists.
Ramaphosa said while everyone has a right to protest in the country, it should not be done at the expense of other people’s freedom or the destruction of property.
“While there are those who may be hurt and angry at this moment, there can never be any justification for such violent, destructive and disruptive actions,” he said.
“It is a matter of concern to all South Africans that some of these acts of violence are based on ethnic mobilisation.
“This must be condemned by all South Africans at all costs as we are a nation committed to non-racialism and non-tribalism that is underpinned by the diversity and unity of all the people of South Africa, whatever their language, culture, religious beliefs and race.”
The president said the sporadic but increasingly violent protests have resulted in key infrastructure like national roads being affected, thereby slowing down the transportation of goods and services.
He said property has been destroyed, cars have been stoned, people have been intimidated and threatened, and some have even been hurt.
“These acts are endangering lives and damaging our efforts to rebuild the economy . . . the rule of law safeguards against the abuse of power. The rule of law protects the poor and the vulnerable,” Ramaphosa said.
“Let us be clear, as a nation, that we will not tolerate acts of criminality.
“Those who are involved in acts of violence will be arrested and prosecuted.
“Those found guilty of breaking the lockdown regulations will receive the stipulated penalty. This will be done without fear or favour.”
The president said the violent protests should stop because most people in the country want to live in peace and harmony.
“They want to work and earn a living. They want to see our country recover from this pandemic. We are confronting the COVID-19 pandemic together,” he said.
“We are working to rebuild our economy together so that more jobs can be created, so that more businesses can be supported, and so we can put food on the table, send our children to school and support our families. We are building up, not shutting down . . .”