The warning follows circulating information suggesting certain individuals or groups intend to accompany law enforcement agencies during compliance inspections and enforcement operations across the province. Free State provincial police spokesperson Brig. Thandi Mbambo stressed policing responsibilities remain the exclusive mandate of authorised law enforcement officials.

“The police wish to remind the public that the enforcement of the law, including compliance inspections, searches, arrests, seizures and other policing functions, is the exclusive responsibility of duly authorised law enforcement officials acting within the confines of the Constitution and applicable legislation.” 

She cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands by conducting inspections, demanding documentation, questioning members of the public or participating in law enforcement activities without the necessary legal authority.

Such actions could amount to criminal offences and expose those responsible to prosecution. While acknowledging the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble, protest and express their views peacefully, she emphasised these rights do not include exercising policing powers or interfering with official law enforcement operations.

“The SAPS remains committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice. Operational deployments across the province continue to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and address all forms of criminality.”

Police urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activity through the appropriate channels and allow trained and authorised law enforcement officials to carry out their duties without interference.

Meanwhile, Free State provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia reiterated anyone found obstructing police officers, impersonating law enforcement officials or unlawfully performing policing functions would face decisive action in accordance with the law.

Police further called on Free State residents to continue supporting law enforcement by providing information about criminal activities while refraining from actions that fall outside the scope of civilian authority.

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