Abstract:
The policing response to increasing violent community violent protests in South Africa
has received global attention in the last decade. The study was conducted with a
backdrop of increased concern over skirmish and sporadic fighting and violence during
service delivery protests. Criticisms have been voiced by various role-players in violent
protests concerning arrests, injuries and killing of civilians by police during these
demonstrations. Hence the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of POP strategies
in curbing common acts of violence during violent protests particularly in Vuwani area
of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The study adopted a mixed methods
(qualitative and quantitative method). Purposive sampling was used to select POP
officials wherein Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted in 9 difference POP
units, each FGD was comprised of approximately 5 members which total to 45 POP
members. A total of 200 questionnaires were randomly distributed to community
members of Vuwani within 5 were found invalid. Quantitative Data was analysed using
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and qualitative data was analysed using
thematic analysis. The findings indicated that (86,2%) of participants believed that
Vuwani protest was caused by municipal demarcation issues. The favourite methods
of protests include littering with (80,0 %) and burning tyres with (76,4%) of
participants. A total of (52,8%) community members argued that police presence
perpetuate violence during service delivery protest. Common crimes that occurred
during the protests was vandalism with (82,6%) and arson with (81,0%). Furthermore,
(83,6%) community members agrees that rubber bullets was used as a strategy by
the police at Vuwani protests. The overwhelming majority of participants with 80,0%
believe that negotiation during protests can curb death and injuries. On the other hand,
the study finds that POP official strategies start by negotiating with the protestors,
identifying the leader, use of water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets as the last
resort. Further emphasized that lack of manpower and resources are barriers that
hinders effective policing of violent service delivery protests. It is therefore
recommended that provision of resource and recruitment of manpower should be
taken as a first priority by the SAPS national office. Lastly, the public should be
educated about police presence during violent service delivery protests.
