Today, the minister of police oversight and community safety, Reagan Allen, met with district executive mayors, along with all relevant high-ranking officials from various provincial departments, district municipalities, and the South African Police Service (SAPS), to assess provincial readiness for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) so-called shutdown protest, which is due to occur on 2 October 2023.
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In a statement released this afternoon, Minister Allen stated that the teams have been briefed and will not tolerate any breaches of the law.
While South Africa’s Constitution protects the right to protest, it is unlawful to violate the rights of others by resorting to violence, intimidation, or property damage during such protests.
Any attempts to incite chaos will be met with the full force of the law.
‘The Western Cape Government stands for a law-abiding society and creating a safe environment for our citizens, where everyone is 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,’ he affirmed.
The minister shared the team’s readiness and said that should the EFF proceed with its shutdown protest on 2 October: ‘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, 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 us all.’
‘I urge protestors to demonstrate compassion for their fellow citizens and march in a peaceful and orderly manner,’ concluded Minister Allen.
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Picture: Supplied