South Africa: 'Chamber Support Officers' - Zuma's Securocracy, Protected By the Bouncers

analysis

They are dubbed "bouncers". They spring into action when National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete calls in the parliamentary protection services to evict Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MPs after a string of loud and rambunctious points of order. On Tuesday, after EFF MPs objected to President Jacob Zuma's question session, they were shoved, carried and manhandled out of the chamber, but pushed back with water bottles, hard hats and at least one handbag. It was an ugly display of what happens when former riot and other police members are drafted in to enforce, as it's put in some senior parliamentary circles, law and order. But wait, there's more: there are plans to hire 38 more bouncers. By MARIANNE MERTEN.

Never before in democratic South Africa have police and the parliamentary protection services been used so freely - and often - against MPs, #FeesMustFall student protesters and unionised employees on an unprotected strike over performance bonuses. The sound of stun grenades and the sight of multicoloured smoke grenades were unprecedented in the parliamentary precinct until late last year. The sight of Honourable Members being rammed out of the House was unknown until late 2014.

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