State forces on alert for unrest after Zuma ruling, says Bheki Cele

Police minister Bheki Cele says law enforcement agencies are ready to handle any unrest that could be prompted by former president Jacob Zuma being ordered to return to jail. 

Earlier this week, the high court in Pretoria ordered Zuma back to jail to serve out the remainder of his 15-month sentence for contempt of court. It called the decision in September to release him on medical parole “unlawful”. Zuma is expected to appeal against the decision after his lawyers applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

During a briefing by the justice, crime prevention and security cluster on the state of readiness for the festive season, Cele said law enforcement has learnt from the July unrest and looting.

He said the security cluster of ministers has noted the court ruling and the department of correctional services’ decision to appeal against the judgment. “As the cluster, we wish to reiterate our confidence in our constitutional democracy that provides all people are equal before the law,” Cele said.

“The separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary are the bedrock of our constitution, and our courts function without fear or favour as they entrench the rule of law. Any form of recourse must follow appropriate channels within the confines of the law.”

Cele said law enforcement agencies have learnt from previous unrest experiences and will use those experiences to make sure any interruption is handled properly. 

“I met with the leadership of the police and the military to make sure the preparations for the response and reactions are much better this time,” he said. 

At least 337 people died as a result of the unrest and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July. Former acting minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said 79 people died in Gauteng and 258 in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Of the reported deaths in Gauteng to date, 42 cases of murder and 37 inquest dockets have been opened. In KwaZulu-Natal, 171 cases of murder and 87 inquest dockets have been opened. The police have to date opened 132 cases of arson in KwaZulu-Natal,” she said.