Public confusion over pending strike action – To panic, or not to panic?

Should we be concerned about a repeat of last week's #VryheidViolentProtest or is social media causing unnecessary consternation within the community?

February 20, 2019

Elaine Rodway 2 minutes read

RUMOURS have been circulating since last week’s #VryheidViolentProtest that another march is scheduled to take place either tomorrow or Friday…

Also read: A STORY IN PICTURES: Scenes from the mass protest in Vryheid

While there is no concrete evidence to substantiate these claims at this point, if these rumours are true, and the violent and destructive protest action were to rear its ugly head once more, it would not be within the realms of the law.

It would be an illegal march.

Rubbish that was left behind following the march.

Ward 9 DA councillor, Alta de Kock, in response to public queries regarding the threat of an imminent march, sought answers from the manager of Public Safety, as well as the SAPS and political leaders…

“Neither the police, nor Public Safety, know anything about a march/protest on Friday. Extra police have been deployed in Bhekuzulu for the past few days to prevent illegal protests. Please be careful against fake news.”

Also read: UPDATE (WATCH): Vryheid police use rubber bullets and stun grenade to disperse protestors in CBD

Head of Public Safety for AbaQulusi confirms that no legal march has been approved.

“No application for a march was done with the municipality. However, if such march takes place it will be an illegal march and, as law enforcers, we will deal with such situations as per the stipulations in the Public Gatherings Act.”

We asked political antagonist to the current IFP leadership in AbaQulusi and driving force behind the last mass protest action that left many of the streets in town and in Bhekuzulu littered with debris and smouldering with ill intent, Smangaliso Zwane, if he had any further plans for strike action.

Smangaliso Zwane introduces himself to an officer protecting the municipal buildings.

“I am the one who plans the marches,” he advises. “To my knowledge, there is nothing planned for Thursday or Friday…”

However, according to a more recent update, it appears that Zwane’s claims that “nothing has been planned” are not quite truthful…

Reports have come through that ‘secret meetings’ have been taking place and the streets of AbaQulusi will once again face a barrage of protesters disturbing the peace.