DA’S ASSAULT CLAIMS LUDICROUS 17 November 2014 The Office of the ANC Chief Whip is not surprised by the DA’s opportunism and grandstanding as seen in its announcement that it has opened cases of assault against the police and the deputy minister of education and training following Thursday’s disruptions, which were orchestrated by both the DA and the EFF. The public has indeed become accustomed to such publicity gimmicks and laughable stunts by the DA. Eye witness accounts of events points us to the fact that the motive behind the rush to open cases by the DA MPs, the actual perpetrators of Thursday’s fracas, was to pre-empt the assault charges that police are likely to open against them. It is common knowledge and a fact that the DA MPs charged at the police and attacked them when they entered the chamber to discharge their lawful duties. In terms section 11 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, a person who causes disturbance in the House may be removed from the House on the instruction of the presiding officers or by a designated member of staff, or members of the security services. The members of the police service entered the House with the sole purpose to remove an unruly EFF MP, but several DA MPs jumped out of their benches, charged at them and aggressively engaged in a scuffle with them in an attempt to prevent them from removing the MP. It is illegal to attack the police and interfere with their lawful duties. Several members of the police were assaulted in the process, including being punched. Not only did these DA MPs attack the police, but one of them, a lady, crossed the isle of the chamber, went to the ANC side of the House and aggressively confronted MPs of the ANC. Deputy Minister Manana intervened in the process, gently shoved the DA MPs and advised her to go back to her bench as she was clearly being provocative. It is ludicrous for the DA MPs to claim they were attacked or assaulted. We are hopeful that the police will open cases of assault against the DA gang so that the law could take its course. The police’s parliamentary unit has been part of Parliament protection services for many years and may intervene in such instances on the instruction of the presiding officers. A claim that “riot squat” was called from outside is grossly misleading, inaccurate and mischievously alarmist. WE reiterate our view that Parliament must never shy away from applying its rules and the law without fear, favour or prejudice to ensure that unruly and delinquent conduct is discouraged. ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE ANC CHIEF WHIP
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:40:57 +0000
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