Police in Mpumalanga have opened a case of intimidation after social media posts allegedly called for the murder of a SAPS Warrant Officer who was involved in policing a protest in Ermelo on 10 June.
According to SAPS, the officer responded after march participants identified several addresses where drugs were allegedly being sold. Police accompanied complainants to four locations and conducted searches, but no drugs were found.
Authorities said the situation became tense when some participants allegedly entered private properties and others became unruly. During the incident, a 35-year-old male was arrested after allegedly pointing a firearm at police officers. The firearm was seized and he was charged under the Firearms Control Act.
Three other suspects aged between 21 and 22 were arrested and charged with malicious damage to property.
Police said the Warrant Officer attempted to calm the situation and advised participants to disperse after the march, memorandum handover and searches had been completed. A video of the officer addressing protesters was later circulated on social media.
SAPS alleges that social media posts subsequently emerged accusing the officer of protecting drug dealers and calling for violence against him.
A case of intimidation has been registered and is under investigation. No arrests have been made in connection with the alleged threats.
The four suspects arrested during the protest appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 11 June. The case against the suspect charged with Contravention of Section 08 of the Firearms Control Act was postponed to 15 June, while the three suspects charged with malicious damage to property were granted bail.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi warned that police would act against anyone who incites violence or intimidates law enforcement officers.
SAPS reiterated that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, participants must act within the law and may not carry weapons.