/ 24 April 2014

Icasa to hear SAPS complaint against DA advert

Icasa To Hear Saps Complaint Against Da Advert

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) is set to hear a complaint by the South African Police Service against the Democratic Alliance's (DA's) election advert on Thursday morning.

"The SAPS said in their complaint that the television advert would incite violence against the police," said Icasa spokesperson Paseka Maleka.

"The police said the part of the advert where the Democratic Alliance's [Gauteng premier candidate] Mmusi Maimane says, ' … the police are killing our people .. ' and shows a policeman shooting at a person, would invite violent acts against the members of the SAPS."

The "Ayisafani" advert shows Maimane standing in front of a mirror talking about the current state of the country.

Advert brought back
The advert was previously banned by public broadcaster SABC after it was flighted on April 8 and April 9. The SABC said the advert incited violence. The SABC then brought back the advert and aired it on its channels.

The DA laid a complaint with Icasa, after which a public hearing was held on the matter.

The Business Day last week reported that advert "pulled by the SABC will be aired by the state broadcaster over the Easter long weekend [from April 19]?".

The SAPS lodged the complaint on April 19. The public hearing would be held at the Icasa offices in Sandton.