Police on high alert amid ‘national shutdown’ claims

While the authenticity of the threats of a national shutdown on Monday remained questionable, police said they were on high alert for any eventuality.

“We are aware of the threats. With that said, we have had assurance from the SAPS that they remain on high alert,” police ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said.

Over the past two weeks, posts and messages suggesting a planned “national shutdown” associated with ANC members calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down, went viral on social media.

In a poster on social media, the march was said to have been planned for Monday, August 23.

Themba said since KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng province experienced unrest that resulted in looting of stores and burning of buildings in July, the police did not step down their efforts of guarding communities.

Although Themba could not share more details on their operational details she said “they remain on high alert and prepared for any eventuality”.

“From our side, we have been given assurance by the SAPS, meaning that the people who are responsible for putting up a plan on responses on the ground are ready for any eventuality. That assurance, means that police will have a hand on whatever is going to come up if the threats materialise.”

On Sunday, in a statement the national joint-operational and intelligence structure, which includes all government departments within the justice, crime prevention and security cluster, said the law enforcement agencies were on high alert amidst threats of protests.

“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and have put measures in place to ensure the safety and security of South Africans amidst threats of a ‘national shutdown’ on 23 August 2021,” statement read.

“Law abiding citizens should be at ease knowing that the national joint intelligence structure is not taking these threats lightly. Security forces are on high alert and ready to maintain stability in the country, and ensure the safety and security of South Africans.”

Also read: Looting communities mirroring the state as government battles corruption tag

KZN was hit hard by the unrest in July, with 180 fatalities reported from the province while Gauteng accounted for 32.

Earlier this week, KZN premier Sihle Zikalala said he took note of a shutdown threat and did not take these lightly while also keeping in mind they could be fake news.

“We do not want to be distracted by fake news but secondly we are also not taking anything for granted,” he said.

“We have received reports about posters on social media saying that on the 23rd (Monday) there will be a shutdown. We have reported this to the law enforcement agencies and we believe they are ready for that,” he said.

DA Gauteng safety spokesperson Michael Shackleton urged the public not to panic on fear that protest might spill over to Gauteng.

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