Rubber bullets still in use despite ban

The DA in Gauteng is up in arms over the continuous use of rubber bullets by police officers during protest actions to control angry crowds, despite the fact there is a two year standing order banning the use thereof that is still in effect.

This comes in the wake of numerous protest actions in Bekkersdal and Waterworks informal settlements in Westonaria where rubber bullets were fired protesting residents.

During this time, the Herald revealed that at least two residents were shot at and injured in the eye at the Woterworks informal settlement and possibly more in Bekkersdal.

These are anumber of recent incidents where rioting residents were fired at with rubber bullets in Randfontein with the latest being at the  Tambo informal settlement in Elandsvlei.

According to DA Gauteng Provincial Leader John Moodey, the number of incidents in which Gauteng police use rubber bullets to control the crowds is on the increase.

“We are seeing an increase in the use of rubber bullets, despite the confirmation by Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko that the standing order banning the use of rubber bullets is still in effect.

“Police must explain what exceptional circumstances motivated and justified the use of rubber bullets across the province and why this is on the increase,” says Moodey.

He adds that meanwhile, doctors have also urged the banning of rubber bullets, describing their use as unsafe and warned that they should never be used by authorities to control riots.

Westonaria spokesperson Thembi Masango who also speaks for Bekkersdal SAPS says that they are allowed to use force such as rubber bullets when protesters are violent to control the crowds.

The Herald has forwarded a list of questions to the SAPS media centre and awaits comment from the relevant official.