Government has called on marchers in the Pretoria CBD to respect the rule law and the Constitution. Acting director-general of Government Communications and Information Systems‚ Donald Liphoko‚ on Wednesday said the Constitution guided all public participation and active citizenship.He said Wednesday's activities demonstrated a strengthened democracy which was important for shaping the public discourse.“The various voices and actions are reflective of a democratic and progressive society. Citizens have the right to march and voice their opinion‚ however it must be done peacefully. No person should be coerced against their will. It is the responsibility of each citizen to play their part in protecting our hard-earned democracy.”Liphoko said while everyone had the right to protest as enshrined in the Constitution‚ “we encourage all people of South Africa to protest within the confines of the law‚ and not destroy or damage property or infrastructure during their actions”.He said the Security Cluster remained operationally ready to police all planned protest actions to ensure that they remain peaceful‚ and safeguard property; and that the democratic rights of others were not trampled on in the process.“We have noted with serious concern utterances attributed to some political leaders to occupy the city centre of Tshwane and such actions do nothing but detract from the legitimate and democratic practices of participatory and open democracy.”He encouraged partnering with government to resolve issues and work together to achieve Vision 2030. “By working together‚ we move South Africa forward‚” he said.Windows of several shops and offices have been smashed‚ with reports of looting.The Tshwane metro has confirmed that one of the buses belonging to the Tshwane Bus Service (TBS) was pelted with stones and damaged and one of the drivers robbed of cash during the protest marches in the Central Business District. Some of the passengers were forced out of the buses.Most of the streets in the CBD have been closed and cordoned off‚ affecting the bus routes.“Against this background‚ we decided to withdraw the buses back to the depot in order to safeguard our assets and for the safety of our drivers and passengers‚” spokesperson Selby Bokaba said.He said they had anticipated normal operations until 10am. “However‚ due to the criminal incident that occurred this morning‚ we were forced to withdraw our services. Commuters are advised to make alternative travel arrangements.“We regret the inconvenience caused by the withdrawal of TBS as well as that of A Re Yeng bus operations‚ however‚ the decision was made to safeguard our assets and to safeguard the lives of our drivers as well as the commuters‚” Bokaba said. - TMG Digital/The Times..