Election violence will be dealt with harshly, warns Bheki Cele
In a radio interview this morning, the police minister also dismissed talk of friction between himself and police commissioner Khehla Sitole
Police minister Bheki Cele said that security cluster officials have contingency plans for violent protests ahead of and during the national elections, and those who cause havoc will be dealt with harshly.
Cele said police officers are ready to quell violent protest and will ensure that the upcoming poll is held under peaceful conditions. The police minister was speaking during a current affairs show on Ukhozi FM on Monday morning. Violent protests have taken place in areas ranging from Alexandra and Tshwane in Gauteng, to the eThekwini municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. Three weeks ago angry mobs in Durban raided homes and businesses of foreign nationals and burnt trucks, complaining that local companies were employing foreign nationals and drivers at the expense of locals. Political analysts say residents see this period as an opportunity to voice their grievances as politicians and parties are more likely to liste...
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