An alert was sent out by the Western Cape’s Department of Community Safety to all Community Police Forums (CPF) and Neighbourhood Watches (NHWs) to be on the lookout for tyres used as road blockades ahead of the protest planned by the EFF for Monday, 20 March 2023.
Also read: National shutdown: Court interdict is a publicity stunt says EFF
The EFF is planning a national shutdown with party leader Julius Malema calling on angry and frustrated South Africans from all walks of life to take to the streets in protest on Monday.
It is thought that these tyres may be used to block the roads in the planned protests on Monday. Incidents have been reported where abandoned tyres were located at key points such as intersections and similar types of areas. The tyres located were removed.
Tyres are currently being dumped, as it may be difficult to transport tyres to these areas at a later stage.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith and his team were hard at work this morning clearing up over 240 tyres by 11am that were hidden across multiple locations of Grassy Park, Lotus River and Strandfontein.
Alderman Smith said, “This morning tyres were already set alight on Baden Powell drive, in an attempt to disrupt traffic flow. Besides an incredible amount of damage to the road surface that almost instantly results in potholes from developing, sadly it will be these most vulnerable communities that will suffer most from such cowardly acts of damage to infrastructure.”
Alderman Smith says he is appealing to political parties to be transparent and join the City’s efforts to combat crime and loadshedding.
Rather than sowing confusion, the City urges political parties to be honest with their electorate and work together to reduce the national scourge of crime and loadshedding. The City is already taking proactive measures to address these issues and invites all parties to join in their effort and work towards creating a safer and more stable future for all.
Please report any instances of tyres being transported or dumped to your local SAPS, CPF or Security groups for a quick response, if possible, with a GPS location and a picture of the tyres/goods in question.
Also read:
National Shutdown: Santaco supports EFF’s protest but won’t be joining
Picture: Alderman JP Smith / Facebook
