04 Mar 2015

Following inundated reports of increased security threats around the Parliament precinct, Parliament will as a matter of urgency put measures in place to address the situation, Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Mr Eric Molale has said.

Delivering a statement in Parliament on Tuesday, March 3, Mr Molale said his office has been inundated with reports and incidents which have necessitated that security be stepped up around Parliament as a matter of urgency. 

Further he said political discourse has of late been characterised by deep emotions and actions that called for increased vigilance.

Mr Molale said reports that have reached security organs indicate that there are intentions by some members of the public to cause harm to some Members of Parliament adding that some members of the public breach dress code decorum and etiquette of the house and at times are found carrying objects that could easily be used as weapons.

Further he said that information has reached him that there were a lot of illegal hand guns in the possession of the general public which makes it imperative to protect Parliament premises by security organs.

“The current level of agitation and near intolerance displayed by some members of the public makes it imperative that the security of the Parliamentary premises be protected by our security organs for the safety of all, ‘ he said.

He said security assessment was done and its was agreed that security measures be tightened for the Speaker of the National Assembly, the deputy speaker, Members of Parliament, and the support staff of the legislature.

He said in order to achieve this goal, access to Parliament premises will be restricted, manned around the clock by VVIP Protection Unit so that there is control on how and where and who accesses the premises adding that Parliament will maintain only two entry points which will be at the front of Parliament and at the back, behind the western side of the buildings.

The Minister added that security will further be achieved by use of a walkthrough magnetometer detectors and x-ray machines to scan individuals and their luggage to ensure that the precinct is free of weapons. 

He also said the public gallery will be manned members of security to address any possible transgressions by unruly members of the public who may have visited Parliament.

Mr Molale said the security concerns raised by members of Parliament will also be extended to their places of residence. ENDS