Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the interdict granted by the Western Cape High Court to prevent alleged further attempts to incite violence ahead of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ national shutdown on Monday.

The Western Cape Government (WCG) joined the City of Cape Town’s legal bid to secure an interdict to prevent unlawful protests, incitement to violence and intimidation, and damage to property.

The WCG said intervention was aimed specifically at extending the interdict beyond Cape Town’s municipal boundaries to the whole of the Western Cape province.

“I hope this interdict sends a clear, unambiguous message to anyone intent on shutting down our province and the country next Monday. I trust that all aspects of the interdict will be adhered to. Those who proceed with intimidating residents who want to go to work on Monday must face the consequences of their actions.

“Apart from preventing anarchy, today’s legal action is also about supporting members of the public who want to work. Workers who are prevented from going to work stand to lose a day’s wages, especially temporary and contract staff. The calls for a shutdown are callous and against workers,” said Winde.

Winde said the WCG is committed to economic freedom, ‘not shutting down our economy’.

“With us forging ahead with our economic recovery, it is counterintuitive to impede people from going to work.”

He said the province will not allow individuals to place the safety of many thousands of people at risk. “We will not tolerate any attempts to prevent law-abiding citizens from going about their business, foment violence or endanger lives. Everyone in our country has a right to protest, but not to impose their views on others or infringe on their rights. The provincial government is prepared for any eventualities.”

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has been activated and all emergency and law enforcement agencies are on high alert.

Winde held a series of meetings this week with various stakeholders, among them Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, to ensure the province is prepared.