SAPS has issued a stern warning to citizens against performing law enforcement functions or interfering with official duties after reports of civilian groups conducting illegal compliance inspections and immigration checks in the Free State and the Northern Cape.

Parys Gazette reports that Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo clarified the sole mandate of official law enforcement.

“The enforcement of the law, including compliance inspections, searches, arrests, seizures and other policing functions, is the exclusive responsibility of duly authorised law enforcement officials acting within the confines of the Constitution and applicable legislation,” Mbambo said.

She cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands by conducting inspections, demanding documentation, questioning individuals or participating in law enforcement activities without the necessary legal authority.

Mbambo warned that such actions could amount to criminal offences and may result in criminal prosecution.

While SAPS acknowledged the constitutional right of people to assemble, demonstrate and express their views peacefully, Mbambo stressed that these rights do not extend to exercising policing powers or interfering with official operations.

She said police remain committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice, adding that operational deployments across the Free State continue to ensure public safety, maintain law and order and combat criminal activity.

Free State police commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia has also warned that anyone found obstructing police officials, impersonating law enforcement officers or unlawfully performing policing functions will face decisive action in accordance with the law.

Police have called on Free State residents to continue working with law enforcement by providing information about criminal activities, while refraining from actions that fall outside the scope of civilian authority.

Similar warning in Northern Cape

In the Northern Cape, SANews.gov.za meanwhile reports that police have warned members of the public against individuals and groups unlawfully demanding to inspect identity documents under the guise of addressing illegal immigration. In a statement issued on Friday, SAPS said it had noted with concern reports of people approaching members of the public and requesting to inspect their identity documents without legal authority.

The police stressed that only authorised law enforcement officials may request and verify identity documents while carrying out their official duties, and cautioned members of the public not to be intimidated by people who have no legal authority to conduct such inspections.

SAPS acknowledged the important role played by community policing forums (CPFs) in promoting safer communities and encouraged them to continue working in partnership with the police.

According to the statement, CPFs should support community engagement initiatives, promote respect for the rule of law, and help educate communities on lawful crime-prevention measures.

“Acts of vigilantism, intimidation, discrimination, harassment, or the unlawful stopping and questioning of individuals will not be tolerated and may result in criminal prosecution,” the SAPS said.

The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting the rights of everyone in the country.

The public is encouraged to co-operate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected criminal activities through the appropriate channels rather than taking the law into their own hands,” the SAPS said.

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