Police on high alert after shutdown in Mpumalanga, KZN

Authorities are on high alert following a shutdown in Mpumalanga and road blockades in KwaZulu-Natal over the past two days amid a widespread outcry about petrol hikes.

National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) spokesperson Col Athlenda Mathe said they had deployed additional police officers to the affected areas.

This follows two days of protests staged by taxi operators and community members in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

On Wednesday, police in that area said 15 taxi drivers were arrested for allegedly forcing truck drivers to block the roads in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Police remain on high alert and are monitoring the situation closely in Mpumalanga and KZN to prevent and combat any forms of criminality. The SAPS will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness,” Mathe said.

In June, Natjoints said they were on high alert following the circulation of posters on social media calling for a national shutdown.

“Any action aimed at contravening the law will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law,” she said.

Sporadic events of road blockades by truckers were reported on both sides of the R34 and N2 freeway near Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes.

KZN police spokesperson Lt-Col Nqobile Gwala said there was temporary obstructions of the roads from 4am.

“The keys were removed from the trucks by unknown suspects. The road is now open and the traffic is flowing,” she said.

Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison Vusi Shongwe said the shutdown has left many people frustrated because they are unable to go to work or access services rendered in the city.

He said businesses are also losing income as they have not been operating since Wednesday.

“We are not a lawless state. People must protest and raise their unhappiness within the ambit of the law. Our country is still reeling from a ravaging pandemic that left many people without jobs. Therefore, any person whose actions sabotage the economy must be harshly dealt with.

“Communities should refrain from blockading the road because that is not only dangerous for people requiring urgent medical attention, it also sabotages our economy,” said Shongwe.

He said four minibus taxis were impounded and 37 people were arrested on Wednesday.

“I am calling on the police to promptly bring to book any person who is directly engaged in road closures or mobilising the community to do so.

“We are a government that listens to its people, but we will not tolerate any criminality that comes in the form of protests that infringe on the rights of others to free movement,” he said.

Secretary-general for the SA Federation of Trade Unions Zwelinzima Vavi announced their plans for a national shutdown in August but said their action would not associate with violence, racism, xenophobia and destruction of property.

Saftu intends to send invitation letters to civic organisations, trade unions, union federations, students and other youth organisations.

Vavi said the difference with this shutdown action is that it would be driven by civic society instead of sporadic calls for action on social media.

“We are working for the broadest possible unity of the working-class movement and to reject sectarianism and purist approaches that continue to fragment our working-class formation,” he said.

Electricity, rates and food prices have soared over the past few months with petrol increasing to R26.31 per litre. Economists have warned that it could get as high as R40 per litre.

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) is expected to give an update on recommendations made by a panel of experts appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa following violent outbreaks in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July last year.

The unrest was characterised by rampant looting and destruction of property leading to the deaths of more than 300 people.

The panel was required to review SA’s preparedness and shortcomings in responding to the unrest.