A structural debriefing, following the June 30 March and March anti-immigration protests, which saw scores of people take to the streets from the Actonville hostels into the Benoni CBD, found that march leaders led with discipline.

However, it was noted that group of protesters were not in possession of a Section 4, giving them authority to hold a public demonstration.

Under the watchful eye of Benoni SAPS station commander Brigadier Khumbulani Mbatha and Actonville SAPS station commander Colonel Mbhazima Maswanganyi, members of local private security companies, the EMPD Crowd Control Unit, the EMPD First Response Unit, the Benoni CPF, Community in Blue patrollers, Netcare emergency service,s as well as Bidvest Management’s eye in the sky, ensured that the demonstration concluded without incident.

“At the Benoni Police Station, the group was given an opportunity to voice their concerns about crime prevention in the area,” said Mbatha.

“Despite not having a memorandum to deliver to the management of the stations, concerns raised were acknowledged.”

Local private security companies, however, raised concerns about the management of the march, saying that Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni’s directives to arrest anyone engaging in criminal activity were ignored.

“Incidents of vandalism, damage to property and attempted assault were wholly ignored,” said a security official, who wished to remain anonymous.

“Where officers and security personnel engaged, we were ordered to stand down allowing those displaying criminal intent to continue in the protest action.”

Mbatha confirmed that directives were issued, based on situational appropriateness in approaching a gathering of this nature.

“The orders were put into effect in an effort to defuse potential volatility, thus ensuring the safety of the community, law enforcement members as well as the marchers.

“Any business or person who may have suffered damage during the protest action is urged to report the matter to the SAPS,” he said.

“We would like to thank, participants in the protest for their discipline, acknowledging their commitment to holding peaceful marches free of violence and intimidation.

“Our sincere thanks also go to our stakeholders for ensuring public order and overall safety.”

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