Swellendam violence: DA demands answers from Police Commissioners

21 September 2023

The DA has urgently requested responses from both the National and Provincial Police Commissioners regarding SAPS' inadequate response to the Swellendam violence.

The protest, initially approved as peaceful, escalated into violence with security huts, municipal vehicles, and buildings set ablaze, and roads blocked.

Of concern is SAPS' failure to adhere to prior resolutions, including not allowing concealed faces, dangerous weapons, intimidation, and requiring organisers to use loudhailers to maintain crowd control, with the right to halt the march in case of deviations from the Gatherings Act.

However, less than a month later, SAPS failed to manage the current protest, resulting in significant damage to the town.

The Police Commissioners must explain why SAPS did not respond promptly to the known risk of violence, even from the day before. This suggests a potential failure in police intelligence services or an orchestrated attack on DA governments by other political parties before an election.

Swellendam obtained an interim interdict from the High Court against individuals inciting violence, including an ANC councillor and employee.

Interestingly, the ANC swiftly criticised the DA despite the High Court Order and the national role of visible and public order policing. The DA will demand both Commissioners' responses regarding actions against those who failed to prepare adequately and measures to ensure Swellendam residents' protection from such events in the future.

Issued by Okkie Terblanche, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Police, 21 September 2023