The SAPS did not only use lethal force to disperse the protesters, but also threatened journalists taking photos of the whole saga. This journalist was also threatened by the police who said they would take his memory card if he continued to take pictures of police assaulting some of the arrested protesters.
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Another Mpumalanga News journalist was rushed to Mediclinic Nelspruit after she had been shot at by the SAPS. The protest had been organised by Mpumalanga-based musicians who wanted to hand over a memorandum to the provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation. 
These musos demanded that they be included or hired in all government-sponsored music events. As the protesters, who were joined by a number of locally based organisations such as the Unemployed Youth of Mpumalanga, approached the government complex, heavily armed police arrived and without warning opened fire at everyone, including journalists covering the protest.
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The SAPS’ act of brutality comes just two days after the police minister, Bheki Cele, called on the police to use force to defend themselves when attacked. Scores of protesting musicians were assaulted and arrested.
