Deployment of army for 'shutdown' was justified - Mbalula
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the deployment of the army to deal with the EFF-led national shutdown was justified.
Mbalula briefed the media at Luthuli house on Wednesday.
Government announced the deployment of over 3400 SANDF soldiers ahead of the EFF protest on Monday to assist the police.
He said the stand-by force was to ensure that there was no repetition of the July unrest in 2021.
"The army deployment was justiable, the right to freedom cannot be infringed by any body, everyone has a right to protest but you cant force other people to join your protest, the role of the army and the police when the rule of law is threatened they have to intervene.
"Today South Africans ask a question, was it excessive? [the deployment of army] to protect the county and maintain the rule of law, and defend an ailing economy cannot be excessive. We are still reeling from the impact of that disaster from 2021."
According to police the protests saw the arrests of over 500 people.
"The ANC applauds the responsiveness of the state security machinery to their mandate to protect life and property. Their preparedness ensured that the country is not plunged into chaos, disorder and mayhem,” said Mbalula.
"This approach by law enforcement agencies served as an exemplary approach of how our constitution should be implemented in relation to the enforcement of the various laws of the Republic. This improvement in public order policing as well as high levels of co-operation with communities must be consolidated and sustained."
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