The City of Cape Town has stopped the threatened shutdown of Mitchells Plain businesses and the intimidation of City construction sites by a political group called the National Coloured Congress (NCC).
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The City approached the High Court to stop threats of violence and intimidation by the NCC after they ’shut down’ one private business in Mitchells Plain and disrupted one City construction site where new cables were being laid to improve the electricity grid.
‘This EFF-style race baiting and intimidation is harmful to the very businesses that we need to employ more people in Mitchells Plain,’ said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. ‘We know that residents across Cape Town reject these EFF-style tactics, and reject the use of chaos and intimidation as a tool of political relevance.’
‘Our city thrives when the rule of law prevails, and we won’t tolerate threats to businesses and our services. Peaceful protest is a right, but threats of violent disruption are unconstitutional.’
Earlier yesterday, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen met with district executive mayors, along with relevant and senior officials from various provincial departments, district municipalities and the South African Police Service (SAPS), to assess provincial readiness for the shutdown protest, which was due to occur on 2 October.
‘I want to categorically state that lawlessness will not be tolerated,’ he said. ‘South Africa’s Constitution makes provision for protest but no person has the right to infringe on the rights of others whilst protesting through violence, intimidation or the destruction of property. I have been assured by the SAPS and law enforcement agencies that any attempts to cause anarchy will be met with the full might of the law.’
He added that the Western Cape Government stood for a law-abiding society and creating a safe environment for its citizens, where everyone was treated fairly and has the same opportunities.
‘We are working tirelessly to make sure that our roads, communities and environments are safe for our residents.’
‘We will be working closely with SAPS and law enforcement and holding them to account to ensure that businesses can open, that those needing to get to work or any other appointment can do so. Nothing ensures greater dignity than a job and being able to feed your loved ones. Fermenting disruptions to people’s daily activities is counterproductive to building our economy and creating a successful society for all of us. I urge protestors to demonstrate compassion for their fellow citizens and marching in a peaceful and orderly manner.’
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Picture: Shivendu Shukla / Unsplash