I am astonished at the outcry towards the shooting of the illegal protesters. People are claiming police brutality and human rights violations. What a load of horse.
A very powerful message has been sent out and it is about time a little discipline got restored into the mind-set of South Africans. We can no longer stage barbaric protests, hurl bricks, kick over garbage bins and throw tantrums over normal disputes.
A little common sense shall prevail from this day on wards. Next time an angry mob assembles, they will have to weigh up the consequences of entering into a violent protest. Arriving with machetes, sticks and pistols will not encourage any positive response towards your irrational grievances. Murdering innocents will not encourage the quick resolution of negotiations in your favor.
Charging through tear gas, towards a line of well armed police officers (already locked and loaded) will not end well. The police are not going to say. "Hey there. Man with the Panga. Please stop charging at me."
If you have made the effort to stampede through tear-gas with a pistol you stole off the body of a policeman you hacked to death - expect the police to shoot you.
I applaud the work of the SAPS. They followed the correct protocols and procedures. If there was ever a need to use brutal force, it would have been in that very moment.
Perhaps, people will place more effort into the negotiation process itself - peacefully. Mandates for wage increases will be conducted orderly and in a manner which is suits both parties.
Downing tools will no longer involve picking up pangas.
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