Johannesburg – Amid violent protests in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng that began on Friday and intensified on Monday, the provincial governments have condemned the actions.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has strongly condemned the acts of violence and lawlessness that have swept parts of the province.
This comes after the parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal were engulfed by scenes of violence and looting from protesters who are allegedly calling for the release of former President Jacob Zuma from jail.
According to a statement released on Sunday, the Premier said the provincial law enforcement agencies have since assured him that they are in control of the situation and will continue to do everything to prevent any form of lawlessness and disruption of services.
Makhura commended the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) for responding speedily.
“I would like to applaud the police for swift arrest and keep the situation calm. The police should continue in their duty to protect lives and property without any fear,” Makhura said.
He has called for calm among the Gauteng citizens.
“As a province and the country, we are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic and all of us are required to protect ourselves and avoid gatherings. I urge the people of Gauteng to observe lockdown regulations and only leave their homes when it is absolutely necessary,” the Premier added.
KZN
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni and MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Ravi Pillay have visited Mooi River to assess the situation following the recent violent protests.
At least 28 trucks were torched in Mooi River Toll Plaza while six shops were looted in the town.
Part of the monitoring included assessing the extent of damage to property and assessing police visibility in the area which was among the worst affected.
A total of 37 trucks have been torched in various parts of the province at the weekend – 28 were torched in Mooi River, six on the N2 in Zululand, one in Umgababa, one in Lidgetton and one on the R603.
Conservative estimates are that the damage to private and public property is at approximately R100 million, however, the information is still being collated.
With KwaZulu-Natal having two strategic ports, the disruption is likely to have a negative economic impact on other parts of the country.
“We commend law enforcement agencies for the work done so far. No less than 37 people have been arrested in the province for activities related to the protests.
“Charges against these individuals ranged from malicious damage to property, public violence, business burglary to the contravention of the Disaster Management Act Regulations,” the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government said in a statement.
A multi-pronged response plan has been developed and is being implemented by law enforcement agencies. The plan includes maintaining high police visibility in areas identified as hotspots; engaging with affected stakeholders, including business and transport stakeholders and intensive stakeholder engagement to stabilise the situation on the ground.
The plan will be constantly reviewed to ascertain whether there will be any need for additional reinforcements.
“We have noted various social media posts and messages indicating an intention by some to intensify these illegal protests from this evening leading to tomorrow.
“We want to assure the citizens of the province that the police are closely monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to act against anyone found to be breaking the law. We call on all the people of KwaZulu-Natal to work with law enforcement agencies and volunteer information that might lead to further these activities being averted.”
The province has engaged with the National JCPS cluster to receive additional support and resources where necessary.
The Provincial Executive Council has called on members of the public to desist from taking part in any of the protests as they are illegal and urges them to respect the rule of law.
“Furthermore, we appeal to people to stop inciting violence through platforms such as social media, this is a criminal offence and will be punishable,” the statement further said.
NatJOINTS intensifies deployments in protest-hit KZN, Gauteng
The NatJOINTS has intensified deployments in all Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal areas affected by the violent protests that have seen properties damaged and looted over the weekend.
On Monday, the NatJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] in a statement said it is receiving intelligence support from its Intelligence Coordinating Committee, which will assist in responding to the sporadic protests.
The committee comprises SAPS Crime Intelligence, Defence Intelligence, as well as State Security Intelligence.
NatJOINTS spokesperson, Colonel Brenda Muridili, said Gauteng police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four people since the break out of violent protests.
“On Sunday morning, the police responded to a call from Alexandra Clinic, where they found a body with gunshot wounds. Later that day, the body of a security guard with assault wounds was found at Jeppestown.
“The third body was discovered also on Sunday in the evening in Dobsonville, while the fourth body was discovered with gunshot wounds in Germiston. The cause of death for the security guard and as well as the body found in Dobsonville is part of investigations,” she said.
In KwaZulu-Natal, there were reports of two people who have been killed in Inanda and Umbilo.
The circumstances leading to their deaths is under investigation, said Muridili.
The extent of damage to property and the looting of businesses will be determined at a later stage.
NatJOINTS said it is working around the clock to enhance operational capacity at provincial level in response to incidents in which people appear to be undermining the authority of the State, including the flouting of the Disaster Management Act (DMA) Regulations.
They issued a warning to those circulating inflammatory messages, inciting violence and lawlessness.
“The possibility of criminal charges being instituted against such persons cannot be ruled out, particularly in the event of injury or death that may come as a result of any operational response by the security forces to these incidents of violence and opportunistic criminality,” NatJOINTS said.
-SA.gov.news
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