National Shutdown: More than 550 protesters arrested across the country
The SAPS said that, following Monday's mass protest action, law enforcement will continue to monitor the situation throughout the week.
MORE than 550 protesters were arrested by law enforcement on Monday during the national shutdown protests across the country.
The mass action was called for by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) over the load-shedding crisis and for the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said protesters were arrested on various charges, including public violence, intimidation, damage to infrastructure, theft and attempted looting.
Also read: South Africa’s #NationalShutdown: Beware misleading visuals circulating on social media
“Gauteng recorded the highest number of arrests with 149, the Northern Cape recorded the second highest number with 95 arrests, the Eastern Cape also saw 80 protestors arrested, followed by Free State with 64 arrests. The number of tyres that were confiscated throughout the country remains at 24 300. These were tyres that were strategically placed for acts of criminality,” Mathe revealed.
She added that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) commended members of the Community Police Forums (CPF), neighbourhood watches and other community structures for their supportive role.
Mathe added that law enforcement will continue to monitor the situation throughout the week.
In Durban, the EFF protests were largely peaceful with protests moving through the Durban CBD and then onto the beachfront.
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