The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) North West Provincial Task Team has strongly condemned what it describes as “ferocious terror” unleashed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on elderly citizens protesting for basic services. The incident, which took place in Lehurutshe, saw senior citizens subjected to rubber bullets and aggressive crowd control measures, despite their peaceful demonstration demanding access to water.
The ANCYL did not mince words, likening the police actions to “barbarism” reminiscent of apartheid-era tactics. In their statement, they highlighted the irony of a state that employs officers to protect its citizens yet allows them to inflict harm on the most vulnerable members of society. “Unleashing terror against unarmed, harmless, and defenseless old women is a barbarous act that needs to be condemned at all costs,” read the statement.
The protesters were exercising their constitutional right to assemble and demand access to a fundamental human necessity—water. The ANCYL pointed out that instead of addressing their grievances through dialogue, the state resorted to violence, betraying the principles of democracy and human rights. “Water provision is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution. Proper means of engagement should be employed when dealing with protests for basic services, especially when they are peaceful and violence-free,” the organization emphasized.
Calling the police response “a complete disgrace and disregard of their mandate,” the ANCYL demanded an immediate investigation into the incident. They insist that those responsible, including those who issued the orders, must face legal consequences. “Turning arms against protesters is a dereliction of duty by the police. Those responsible must face the full wrath of the law.”
This crackdown on protesters has sparked national outrage, with many questioning the state’s priorities and its approach to civil discontent. The ANCYL warned that such actions erode trust in the police and government, further alienating communities who already feel neglected.
Pledging their unwavering support for the people of Lehurutshe, the ANCYL vowed to stand on the frontlines in the fight for justice. “We will continuously join picket lines in defense of the defenseless multitudes of our people,” they declared, ending their statement with a rallying cry:
“Stop the brutality! Enough is enough! Water is a right, not a privilege!”
The incident has reignited debates about police conduct in South Africa, with many calling for urgent reforms in how law enforcement handles protests, particularly those involving vulnerable groups. Whether the government will heed these calls or continue its heavy-handed approach remains to be seen.
