Despite warnings that traffic in Cape Town would be disrupted today due to the national shutdown, reports indicate that there are currently no major traffic issues in the city centre and surrounding areas.
Police Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed that it is business as usual, with people commuting to work and minimal incidents being reported in eThekwini and Cape Town.
“There have been a few incidents, but I saw nothing indicating a shutdown because a shutdown is when life stops; that is how it is organised. The situation has been normal; I checked eThekwini, life is normal, and I checked Cape Town, life is normal,” the Minister said on Monday.
According to Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith, there were no incidents to report at the most recent security briefing.
Traffic in Cape Town is likely to be affected today amid the ongoing national shutdown.
Motorists are urged to avoid Jakes Gerwel Drive, over Weltevreden Drive, southbound, Mitchells Plain.
Also read: National shutdown: SANDF will back-up police fears of violence
One protestor has already been arrested, and a news crew has come under attack while monitoring the situation in Nyanga.
Police in Cape Town confirmed the arrest of a protestor for intimidating a shop owner ahead of the planned protest today.
This emerged as the Premier of the Western Cape and law enforcement agencies laid out their safety plans.
Meanwhile, an SABC news crew came under attack in the early hours on Monday on the N2 near Borcherds Quarry in Nyanga.
It is believed that the crew were collecting footage of the national shutdown when two men allegedly approached their vehicle and hit the car with an object.
One of the journalists who was sitting in the front of the vehicle was hospitalised after struck on the head with the object.
SABC crew came under attack while driving on the N2 near Borcherds Quarry, Nyanga. Their vehicle was hit by an object, 1 crew member taken to the hospital. Safety and security MMC JP Smith said Metro police and SAPS pushed back a group of protesters on the road #NationalShutdown pic.twitter.com/RtmWe6LTi2
— Veve (@LudidiVelani) March 20, 2023
Earlier this morning, a small group of protesters began gathering on Orchards Quarry. SAPS and Metro held the line and pushed the protesters back into Nyanga.
According to Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith, around 100 protestors began gathering on Main Road, Woodstock and tried moving towards Mowbray. SAPS fired gas cannisters and the protesters dispersed.
Yesterday saw two failed attempts to petrol bomb MyCiti buses as fires were extinguished causing only smoke damage.
“SAPS forensics attended to gather evidence,” Smith posted on social media.
He added that there were also several attempts to burn rubbish across roadways in Khayelitsha as well as Hundle and Symphony.
Also read: Court grants the green light for the national shutdown in the Western Cape
“Upon arrival, debris was extinguished and removed. There was no sign of protesters.”
A small group of protesters gathered in Parklands Tableview late last night and tried to intimidate fuel stations in the area.
“Private security along with SAPS responded,” added Smith. “One EFF supporter was arrested.”
“Another nine EFF supporters retreated into a security complex and hid. Private security are monitoring EFF residence.”
While members of the SAPS have been preparing for the protests across the country, the Western Cape’s integrated law enforcement agencies were placed on high alert, with tactical deployments in place, in preparation for the national shutdown.
The integrated forces comprise of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), various South African Police Service (SAPS) units, metro police with law enforcement officials from various municipalities, traffic services and a contingent of private security officials are operationally prepared in the Western Cape, with deployments scheduled to begin at predetermined times in identified locations.
Community members, business owners, drivers, commuters and any other affected parties who find themselves adversely impacted by the actions of the planned protest are advised to contact the police, the City of Cape Town or the provincial government.
If members of the public witness any acts of violence or intimidation on Monday, they are urged to contact law enforcement or the WCG via the following number: 0860 142142; or by email: [email protected].
This is a developing story. Updates will follow.
Also read:
WC law enforcement agencies on high alert ahead of planned shutdown
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
