Brakpan has seen an increase in police visibility since Friday in preparation for today’s national shutdown.

Brakpan SAPS communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi, who is also the Sector 1 manager, told the Brakpan Herald that police and other law enforcement stakeholders, including the EMPD, CPF and security providers, have been working tirelessly to ensure safety and security in the Brakpan area.

“Law enforcement visibility has been increased in all areas, day and night, and we can safely confirm that up to this time (15:00, March 20), Brakpan has not had any severe incidents related to the shutdown,” she said.

Buthelezi stated visibility was heightened in hot spot areas.

There were some disruptions, however, and tyres were set alight along Ergo Road in Maryvlei.

“A Toyota Quantum caught fire when the driver tried to drive through the burning tyres and the Quantum was burned,” said Buthelezi.

“Local firefighters managed to put out the fire. No one was injured,” she said.

“Along the R23 (Heidelberg Road), trees were cut down and used to block the road by unknown people.

“The CPF and EMPD swiftly responded and removed the branches.”

This incident was shared on social media with claims that EFF members were responsible for cutting the trees down.

It was also claimed a vehicle transporting EFF members later collided with the trees on the road. This could not be confirmed.

On the R23 between Brakpan and Heidelberg, the EFF cut down a tree and dragged it over the road.

Minutes later a taxi filled with EFF members ran into the tree.

— Willem Petzer (@willempet) March 20, 2023

“A crowd was witnessed at the Sherwood Shopping Centre in the morning hours, but no acts of violence were reported and the crowd eventually dispersed,” added Buthelezi.

She confirmed police visibility is still substantial and all stakeholders are on standby.