S. African police condemn violent protest outside DRC embassy

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday condemned a violent protest outside the embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling the protest "unlawful".

"As the SAPS, we have always respected the right to peaceful protest; but such protest must be approved by authorities beforehand and the organizers must acknowledge that responsibilities accompany rights," said Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, the SAPS Acting National Commissioner.

He was referring to a protest in front of the DRC embassy in Pretoria on Tuesday.

At Tuesday noon, two buses arrived at the DRC embassy, carrying approximately 250 people. The protest turned violent when stones were thrown at the embassy building and at SAPS members. One police officer was disarmed by protestors during this incident. His stolen firearm was later recovered.

Windows and the front gate of the embassy were damaged as the protestors attempted to gain entry to the embassy.

Police dispersed the crowd and arrested nine persons on various charges including malicious damage to property and public violence, according to Phahlane.

The protest was staged in solidarity with widespread protests in the DRC to demand the resignation of President Joseph Kabila after his mandate expired.

Phahlane said the protest in front of the DRC embassy in Pretoria was not authorized and the crowd which gathered unlawfully attempted to gain access to the embassy with the apparent intention of setting it alight.

"The crowd was violent, caused damage to property, attempted to besiege an embassy under our protection and overpowered a police official, robbing him of a police firearm during the chaos. This can never be condoned and the SAPS roundly condemns such conduct," he said.

SAPS members will remain on duty and urge all in South Africa, citizens and visitors alike, to respect the laws of this country, Phahlane said. Endit