MOKOPANE – THE Democratic Alliance (DA) will lay charges against the members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) who, without any credible authority, staged a coup at the Mogalakwena municipality.

Dianne Kohler Barnard, DA shadow minister of police, said in statement police officers reportedly took control of the municipal buildings, hauled-out key members of the municipality’s staff and swore in new PR councillors. The conduct by the officers involved is clearly treasonous in nature,

The DA welcomes the High Court’s court order that demands order be immediately restored and all staff members reinstated.

“I will also be liaising with the MEC for Safety and Security, Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana, to request that urgent action be taken by the SAPS. This court order must be given effect immediately. We will lay charges of trespassing, assault, pointing of a firearm, theft, damage to property and attempted fraud against these police officers.

“There seems to be a contingent of police who believe they are a state unto themselves who act outside the law with force and reckless disregard for democracy and due process. Those responsible must face criminal investigation.”

DA claims police acted illegally