/ 4 October 2016

Phahlane: Throwing stones and firing rubber bullets is not the solution

​Former acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.
​Former acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.

Gauteng police were not bloodthirsty when they clashed with students during the #FeesMustFall protest at Wits University, acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane said on Tuesday.

“The SAPS rejects utterances that claim it is bloodthirsty and wants another Marikana,” Phahlane told reporters in Johannesburg.

“Throwing stones and firing rubber bullets cannot in any way be seen as a solution. We know there is a provocation of police, but we will exercise maximum restraint at all times. Ordinarily we would not be called into Fees Must Fall if dialogue was happening normally,” he said.

He said they have directed that senior management take control of the (actions) under the #FeesMustFall banner.

Phahlane added that during a meeting with police, they emphasised that officers use exercise maximum restraint but also perform their duties.

He also called for students to refrain from making inflammatory remarks.

“We have to address key responsibilities in preventing crime. The SAPS will be deployed to any area where the law is being broken.”

Stones thrown, rubber bullets fired 
Destruction of property could not be tolerated and was not a “clever” way of students expressing their frustrations for “fees to fall”, he said.

Phahlane also called women who took off their tops during the protest “immoral”, adding they could be charged with public indecency.

Students and police clashed as Wits University re-opened its doors on Tuesday, with 17 students being arrested.

Police fired rubber bullets and teargas at students after they attempted to break a police chain. Some students then threw stones at police.

International relations lecturer David Hornsby was injured during the protests. Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel said it appeared he was outside with the protesters. He had a bandage on his head, but she did not know the extent of his injuries.

Police officers open case of assault 
Protesters broke the back window of a police vehicle. According to well-placed sources within the emergency medical service, casualties include both police officers and protesters.

A police officer was brought to the emergency room at Milpark Hospital. The sources told News24 that a high-ranking police officer sustained a serious head wound when he was struck by a brick.

Two other officers were also injured in the melee. 10 others, understood to be students, were rushed to hospital.

News24 understands that police officers have opened a case of assault. Police could not immediately be reached for comment.

Student protesters shut down a number of campuses nationwide as they called for free education following an announcement by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande that fees would increase next year but be capped at 8%.

“Police resources are being stretched. The rubber bullets, the teargas and the large numbers all cost tax payers money which could be directed to much more serious things.

“Police will not stand and clap hands when someone is throwing stones at them, but will maintain max restraint. Part of the police’s mandate is to protect life and property,” said Phahlane.

The deputy national commissioner was expected to oversee the protest matter, he said.

He also condemned the throwing of stones and burning of buildings. He said the police had been reasonable in their approach.

He warned that students who were caught arrested also risk having a criminal record. – News 24