The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has warned members of the public against performing law enforcement functions or interfering with official police operations following reports that certain individuals or groups may intend to participate in compliance inspections and enforcement operations across the province.

According to Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, policing functions such as compliance inspections, searches, arrests and seizures remain the sole responsibility of authorised law enforcement officials acting within the framework of the Constitution and applicable legislation.

“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 law enforcement 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.

Members of the public have been urged to report suspected criminal activities through the appropriate SAPS channels and to allow trained law enforcement officials to carry out their duties without interference.

Free State Provincial 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.