IT’S business as usual in the Durban CBD, as people are going about their day amid the EFF’s National shutdown today.

Although it was suspected that the busy area would be the target of shutdown protests this Monday, there is a strong police and private security presence in the area.

There was no protest action and incidents overnight or this Monday morning in the area.

Also read: National shutdown: No disruptions reported in Durban North, uMhlanga

This comes as a relief to many Durban residents as this week’s national shutdown was expected to follow along the same course of events as the July 2021 riots. 

Law enforcement officers through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) released a statement saying they have, in the last 12 hours, arrested 87 protestors across the country for public violence-related offences.

Also read: LISTEN: eThekwini Mayor says security personnel on high alert ahead of national shutdown

Since the beginning of the integrated deployments, the Natjoints, together with the respective Provjoints, have been monitoring the situation closely to prevent and combat any acts of lawlessness and criminality.

“Law enforcement officers are on high alert and will continue to prevent and combat any acts of criminality, maintain public order, protect the inhabitants of South Africa and their property, as well as uphold and enforce the law,” said Natjoints spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

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