The policing of public protests in South Africa with specific reference to the Free State province
South Africa has in recent times been affected by an increase in service delivery protests, some of which have been violent in nature and have resulted in damage to property and loss of life. To understand the policing of public protests, particularly violent protests, interviews were conducted with...
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2017
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| In: |
Acta criminologica
Year: 2017, Volume: 30, Issue: 2, Pages: 128-146 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (Publisher) |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
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| Summary: | South Africa has in recent times been affected by an increase in service delivery protests, some of which have been violent in nature and have resulted in damage to property and loss of life. To understand the policing of public protests, particularly violent protests, interviews were conducted with selected police officers who are responsible for the policing of public protests in Free State. To understand the philosophical underpinning of violent behaviour, the article first explains the probable causes of violent behaviour emanating either from the police or the public in the context of various theories. The violent nature of protests in South Africa as well as the use and the implication of the use of force by the police are examined. To contextualise the policing of protests internationally and to analyse the policing of protests in South Africa, an overview of the policing of protests/crowd in various countries is also provided. This is done in the quest to improve the policing of public protests to ensure that the protesters are able to exercise their democratic right without violating the rights of those who choose not to take part in the protest. The deaths, injuries and destruction of property during protests raise questions about the ability and skills of the police officials in policing such protests. The appropriateness of crowd management training and the effectiveness of strategies employed in the policing of public protests are also examined. |
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| ISSN: | 1012-8093 |