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The Portfolio Committee on Police calls on all concerned communities in Pretoria to act within the confines of the Constitution, and not take the law into their own hands.

“The Committee understands and respects the right of people to raise their concerns with the relevant authorities, but such an action must be in accordance with the laws of the country,” said Committee Chairperson, Mr Francois Beukman.

Mr Beukman says some of the scenes unfolding in Pretoria appear to be breaching the laws of the country and calls on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to rescue the situation.

“It is the constitutional duty of the South African Police Service to protect and secure the inhabitants of South Africa and their property. As such, the Committee will support the necessary steps the SAPS will undertake to maintain law and order,” said Mr Beukman.

The Committee further calls on the SAPS to ensure the safety of all inhabitants and take strong action against criminal elements found to be breaking the law. To this end, the Committee will support the deployment of additional resources to ensure that stability is achieved.

There is a heavy duty on community leaders and communities to work with the police to deal with criminality in their communities and avoid the situation from spiralling out of control.

“The Constitution places an obligation on all South Africans to respect and live in harmony with all communities, whether they are foreign or local,” said Mr Beukman.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Francois Beukman