Kgathi accuses opposition of inciting jobseekers

Baboki Kayawe | Wednesday August 10, 2016 15:35

 

In a statement delivered to the House yesterday, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Shaw Kgathi, highly condemned the act, describing it as “undermining public order” and fuelled by certain opposition politicians.

“They were encouraged by MPs Phenyo Butale, Isaac Davids, Pius Mokgware and Dithapelo Keorapetse. Indeed it is true the four MPs took time to address the picketers, and there is a recording in which they told them that they had the right to express themselves,” he said.

The minister, who is also the MP for Bobirwa, said instead of showing the demonstrators the set procedure to air their displeasure the legislators rather encouraged them to undermine public order.

He stressed that MPs must play a positive role in ensuring that public order is maintained, and that law enforcement agencies execute their duties under the law without hindrance or intimidation.

“Members of this House must lead by example and not be seen to be doing anything that directly or indirectly undermines the law, or encourages members of the public to do so,” he added.

Moreover, he denied knowledge of assault incidents against the unemployed picketers. In addition, he could not say whether or not the amount of force the police deployed to maintain order was appropriate.

“I wasn’t there, so I am not able to measure the degree to say it is relative to the kind of offence. However, I would like to send a strong message to everyone to respect the laws.”

He said the jobseekers conducted themselves in a manner that had the effect of undermining public order while emphasising that the Public Order Act gives the police powers to ensure preservation of public order.