Update on 'so called' national shutdown protest
Throughout the day, the Western Cape Government has been working closely with safety stakeholders including the City of Cape Town, Traffic Services, Disaster Management and SAPS in the province to ensure a swift response to any violent protests that would potentially coincide with the National Shutdown in response to increasing fuel prices.
As of 5pm today, based on reports from the Provincial Joint Operations Committee (ProvJOC) the status of protests which had occurred in the province are as follows:
- Harare, Khayelitsha: a protest is ongoing and Public Order Policing have been deployed to stabilise the area.
- Elsies River Industrial/Leonsdale: there were reports of violent protest action, but the area has since been stabilised.
- Epping Industrial: the area has been stabilised and there is no more protest action.
- Fisantekraal: Approximately 15 arrests were made, and roads have been reopened. Consultations took place between the Councillor and residents. A further consultation will take place on Monday and roads have since been reopened.
- Hanover street in the CBD: The crowd was peacefully dispersed, and no incidents of violent protest action were reported.
The Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “We remain concerned about the ongoing protest in the Harare area, but also confident that the relevant law enforcement agencies have the matter under control. It is also pleasing to note that all other areas have been stabilised. I’d like to thank all safety stakeholders for their work today in maintaining a strategic presence throughout the province.”
Minister Allen added: “I’d also like to thank the various sectors of society for being peaceful and maintaining law and order.”
Should there be any flare-ups of protests action, residents are encouraged to report such to Crime Stop by calling 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS app. Alternatively, if you are based within the City of Cape Town, you can also contact the City of Cape Town on 021 480 7700.
Media Enquiries:
Marcellino Martin - Spokesperson for Minister Reagen Allen
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
Cell: 082 721 3362
