UPDATE: Relieved SAPS reports a normal day in Vryheid
Police officers who have been patrolling since daybreak, are relieved that, “it is a normal day in Vryheid,” with absolutely no signs of violence or protest action.
“It is a normal day in Vryheid.”
Police officers who have been patrolling since daybreak, observing for any signs of public disturbance or another illegal march, are relieved that, “it is a normal day in Vryheid,” with absolutely no signs of violence or protest action.
Last night, municipal manager, Bonga Ntanzi, said that he had beefed up municipal security and partnered with the SAPS to ensure that schools, businesses and services would not be disrupted should another illegal march take place today.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: We Are Expecting Chaos Tomorrow, Warns Vryheid’s Municipal Manager
Earlier in the week, Vryheid’s Crime Intelligence Unit received a tip-off from an informer that more protest action was being planned and would likely take place on Thursday and Friday this week.
Zululand SAPS communications officer, Captain Nkosie Gwala, reported that the protest was expected to begin in Lakeside and Sasko and would include residents from Bhekuzulu. Protestors were expected to march into the CBD and it seemed that more violence was imminent.
However, on-going reports from Public Safety, and representatives from community crime-fighting organisations, Buurtwag and AfriForum, confirmed that there have been no disturbances.
“Everything is dead quiet,” said chairman of the Buurtwag, André Rheder.
“Nothing is happening,” agreed chairman of AfriForum, André van der Walt.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Protest leader flees Vryheid after receiving death threats
Leader of the previous protest, Smanga Zwane, insists that he didn’t know where they (sources who indicated that a march was going to take place), “get their lies from.”
“I want to thank the community for heeding my advice and not associating themselves with a march that we do not know of. I urge the residents of Bhekuzulu to keep calm and plead with them to ensure that no violence erupts,” he said.
Mr Zwane indicated that there would be a media briefing at noon on Monday, during which he will provide feedback to the community on the protest that took place last week, and provide information about future protests that are being planned.”
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