The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s portfolio committee on community safety has called on Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni to act swiftly against the community members involved in the assault of crime prevention wardens in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni.
In the 22-second video, taken with a cellphone and which has gone viral on social media, community members are seen assaulting crime prevention wardens who are dressed in full uniform.
At the start of the video, a young man hits a warden with his fists and forces him to the ground. Another warden comes to his rescue.
A few metres away, another warden is being punched and kicked. Onlookers, some of whom attempt to stop him, are heard shouting at the perpetrators to stop.
According to reports, the officers went to pick up a colleague when the attack occurred.
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The chairperson of the portfolio committee on community safety, Bandile Masuku, said the unjustifiable attack on law enforcement officials who served to protect communities was a crime against the individuals involved and an assault on the rule of law. It also undermined the safety and security of all citizens.
“The committee stands firmly in support of Gauteng crime prevention wardens who risk their lives daily to maintain peace and order in the province, and believes that any form of violence against them must be met with the full might of the law.”
Masuku said the committee urged members of the public to assist the investigation by providing any information that could assist in ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.
“This incident serves as reminder that attack on those who protect us cannot and will not be tolerated,” Masuku said.
Gauteng police and Lesufi’s office did not respond at the time of going to publication.
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Some South Africans took to social media platform X to express their views.
“It’s very important that every law-abiding citizen understands that the police/law enforcement is on the side of law-abiding citizens. Attacking law officers is a serious offence and precedence should be set here for future reference. The law is bigger than anyone/people combined,” wrote Gerald Makedenge.
Another X user, Rerorotlhe-Re Mmogo, wrote: “They must be taught a lesson – that you don't mess with law enforcement.”
The Star