Ermolo – Police in Mpumalanga have launched an investigation into allegations of intimidation and incitement to violence against a police officer following a chaotic anti-drug march in Ermelo last week.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said social media posts emerged after the march, allegedly calling for the murder of a police warrant officer who responded to complaints raised by participants during the demonstration on June 10.
According to SAPS, marchers identified several addresses in Ermelo where drugs were allegedly being sold and accompanied police officers to the locations. However, tensions escalated when some participants reportedly entered private properties and confronted individuals they suspected of being drug dealers.
Police intervened and searched the identified premises but found no drugs.
“It was during this chaotic moment when the said SAPS member tried to reason with the march participants, to disperse as the situation was no longer peaceful nor safe and was even posing danger to the participants,” SAPS said in a statement.
The situation worsened when one of the march participants allegedly drew a firearm and pointed it at police officers. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Dumisani Khumalo, was immediately arrested and his firearm seized.
Khumalo was charged with contravening Section 8 of the Firearms Control Act.
Three other suspects – Siyabonga Mbuli, 22, Mzwakhe Mbatha, 22, and Malibongwe Sithole, 21 – were also arrested and charged with malicious damage to property.
Police said the warrant officer was later targeted on social media, with posts accusing him of protecting drug dealers and calling for violence against him.
“It later emerged that social media posts were circulated calling for the Police Officer to be killed, accusing him of protecting drug dealers,” SAPS said.
The police described the allegations against the officer as “uncalled for” and confirmed that a case of intimidation has been opened.
“No arrests have been made at this stage,” SAPS said.
Criminal offence
The four suspects appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on June 11. Khumalo’s case was postponed to June 15, while the three accused of malicious damage to property were granted bail.
Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the threats against the officer and warned that police would act against those responsible.
“Inciting violence against Police Officers or law enforcers is a criminal offence and will be dealt with accordingly without fear or favour,” Mkhwanazi said.
“Police are there to enforce the law and ensure the safety of all citizens, including protesters. We will not tolerate threats, intimidation, or any attempt to obstruct Police from performing their constitutional duties.”
He added: “We will make sure that people understand that no one can undermine the rule of law, without consequences.”
SAPS reminded the public that while protesting is a constitutional right, demonstrations must remain peaceful, participants should not carry weapons, and all activities must take place within the bounds of the law.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
