Mbalula: Any form of violence will force SAPS' hand
Police Minister Fikile Mbalula says South African Police Service (SAPS) members will deployed during the National Day of Action march by opposition parties against President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday.
"SAPS members, together with other government departments, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, will once again be deployed to maintain law and order and to keep South Africans safe," said Mbalula.
Mbalula, along with acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane, briefed the media on its state of readiness for the march.
Opposition parties are uniting for the march to the Union Buildings, where they will call for President Zuma's resignation.
"Government urges protesters to exercise their rights in accordance to the law, without resorting to violence, criminality and damage to property," said Mbalula.
Phahlane said no counter-march or protest action will be tolerated.
"If any such counter-march were to become a reality, we will do what we are supposed to be doing since our policing is not only focussed on legal marches," said Phahlane.
Mbalula added that any form of violence will force the police's hand.
"Instances where people act outside the law necessitates police action. They either promote violence or become provocative to others," said Mbalula.