Aircraft and gyrocopter used in protest surveillance in Lydenburg
Protesters showed up in small numbers. No arrests were made.
On March 20, a group of 50 to 80 protesters joined the Economic Freedom Front’s call for a national shutdown.
At 20:00 on the evening of March 19, protestors attempted to close the Roossenekal and Dullstroom roads, near the Coromandel turn-off, with trees and branches.
The swift response of the Lydenburg SAPS defused the situation and prevented it from escalating. Roads were opened and traffic could flow.
In Lydenburg Monday was quiet and calm. The protesters sang, danced and marched in the main street at about 09:00. They later took a break for lunch and dispersed.
Aerial surveillance was done between 06:30 and 08:00 by an aircraft and a gyrocopter.
On March 20, before 18:00, two attempts were made to burn tyres and block the road linking Mashishing to Lydenburg, at the bridge over the Dorps Rivier. The tyres were removed with the help of Lydenburg SAPS, taxi drivers and the Bohlabelo Fire and Emergency Services.
On the Frischverwagt road, a lot of broken glass bottles were strewn on the road. These were promptly removed by CPF members.
There was high SAPS, Lydenburg Taxi Association, security company and CPF visibility throughout the night.
Bohlabela Regional Fire and Emergency Services also assisted in removing a tree at Coromandel.
Members from Steenkampsberg, Badfontein, Potloodspruit and Long Tom Pass CPF areas continued their patrols on Monday to observe where possible problem areas could occur.
