Civil Unrest or Riots are a daily occurrence in South Africa. One is more Surprised at not having a day with violent unrest than anything else. Riots and terrifying civil unrest are a daily occurrence in our communities and, sad to say, we take them in our daily stride!
Unfortunately, these occurrences seem to be becoming more and more violent and we had better learn How To React When Caught In A Terrifying Civil Unrest Or Riot or face the very real possibility of injury or even death.
Stay Away From Civil Unrest Or Riots – Stay indoors
The best way to prepare for these instances of Civil Unrest Or Riots is to not participate, to stay away and stay indoors. If this is at all possible, this would be the safest course of action to ensure your safety. Unfortunately, this course of action is not always possible.
For many South Africans, it is not possible to avoid these situations because they occur on our way to work or home or at our places of employment. Just think back a couple of months to the riots and looting that occurred in KZN and Gauteng. Thousands of people, including our Police and Government, were caught “with their pants down”.
Do You Need To Be There
Many of us have causes that we feel strongly about and that we feel that we need to support, and sometimes that requires our attendance at rallies and protest marches. So, if you feel strongly about a cause and feel you need to show your support, here are a few pointers to consider:-
- Is attendance the ONLY way you can show support? In other words, do you need to be there?
- Who are the organisers? Are they true to the cause or are there ulterior motives?
- Has there been such marches for this cause before and how did it turn out, Peaceful or Riotous?
- How emotive is the cause? Are there likely to be opposition groups present at the venue? Remember, the State could be one of those opposition groups in the form of the Police!
- What are the possibilities or probabilities of the peaceful protest being “high jacked” to further the aims of another group, turning your event into a violent or illegal protest?
- Where will you park your vehicle? make sure it is accessible but out of the way.
- Plan an escape route should things “Go South”
After considering the above points, DO YOU NEED TO BE THERE?
When A Protest Becomes A Riot
There are many peaceful protests that have turned into violent riots all over the world so you should be aware of some of the telltale signs that the protest is morphing into a riot. Some of these are:
- The opposition groups are getting too close to the protest to such a degree that they can throw stones and bottles.
- An element has infiltrated the group that is inciting violence or is committing inciting acts to aggravate the opposition groups or your group.
- Watch out for the change in the shouting and the language becoming more aggressive towards the Police or other groups in the area.
- When rubbish bins start to be overturned and property starts to become the target of aggressive behaviour.
If any of these become noticeable, it is probably a good time to get out of there, before it escalates into a riotous group.
Time To Bug Out!!!
Caught In The Middle Of A Civil Unrest Or Riots
Once you have noticed any or some of the telltale signs of your protest becoming a riot, you know it is time to leave so, leave now!! Don’t wait to try to see what is happening. LEAVE! NOW!
You’re better off not approaching the police at all unless you’re in need of help. When you do approach them, make sure you’re as calm as possible and aren’t carrying anything that can be mistaken as a weapon. Be careful. If the protesters have started throwing missiles, they will probably be flying towards the Police, right where you are headed.
Stay Together
If you came as a group, STAY TOGETHER. If someone falls or starts to panic, the group can help each other. If you are alone, Don’t fall or panic. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t walk towards the police. They are under pressure and will probably not let you through their line.
- Walk away from the probable clash point toward an area with fewer people.
- Do not run – Keep walking until you have cleared the area.
- Do not stop to become a spectator.
- Ensure that everyone in your group who wanted to leave has left with you.
- Clear the area completely. You can watch what happens on TV.
- If you become injured, seek help immediately.
There are likely to be a lot of people standing around watching, do not join them. Keep moving away. There is a possibility of opposition groups trying to flank the protesters and or trying to catch some of the protesters that they can assault so clear the area safely and go and watch it on TV.
Do Not Get Involved In The Madness
Emotions tend to run high at these protests and the speakers try to get the audience emotionally involved and in doing so the audience tends to get quite worked up. Do not get caught up in the emotional antics of the group. Remain calm and do not participate in any unruly behaviour.
When A Riot Or Terrifying Civil Unrest Comes To Your Neighbourhood
It does happen that the rioters are driven into residential areas when they run from the police. These rioters often regroup in a quieter spot and then start their antics again. If this occurs in your area, go inside, making sure all gates and doors are closed and locked. Keep away from windows and even keep the curtains drawn. This will help keep flying glass to a minimum if objects are thrown your way.
If the police move into the area, do not try to see what is happening. Keep inside and wait for the situation to calm down, all the while keeping a discreet lookout as to what is happening.
A Map Of Protests And Riots In South Africa
Acknowledgement: suidlandbb.co.za
Done And Dusted
Hopefully, if you attended the rally/protest, it all went well and without incident. If there was drama, I hope you were one of those who decided to stay home.
If you have to attend a rally or protest, make sure you do your homework before attending so that you can ensure that, should it morph into something else, you can leave quickly and safely before the SHTF.
Click on SBB for more info and advice from Suidland Burgelikke Beskerming
“It is better to have prepared and never to need it than to be unprepared and be in desperate need of it”.
Be Aware. Be Safe. Be Prepared!