Cele applauds residents who won’t be intimidated to partake in ‘shutdown’

The ministers of the justice, crime prevention and security cluster (JCPS) have assured residents Monday, March 20 will be a normal business day.

Speaking on behalf of JCPS, police minister Bheki Cele said measures have been put in place to ensure that people can go to work, travel for leisure and do business in a safe and secure environment.

“We laud residents and businesses who refuse to be intimidated or bullied,” said the minister.

“We assure them that everyone in the country and their property will be protected.”

Cele said law enforcement will be on the ground enforcing the law.

“Anyone who attempts to prevent our people from going to work, blocking highways or using any other form of violence will be subjected to the full force of the law.

“We caution people against spreading messages of fear, intimidation or inflammatory statements that could incite violence, this is a criminal offence,” he warned.

The majority of communities and various sectors of society including the national taxi association Santaco, the road freight association and other organised structures have rejected the shutdown.

JCPS said the government will provide people with information through credible channels.

According to the cluster, there will be high police visibility.

“We will closely monitor the situation throughout the country and act swiftly and decisively against any threats or disruptions.

Our law enforcement agencies through the NatJoints will ensure multidisciplinary deployments and that the necessary contingency plans are already in place.

The NatJoints will brief the nation on its plans for the protest.”

The minister commended taxi associations who strongly refuse to join the shutdown.

“We commend the many associations in the sports, the transport sectors, the taxi industry, the trucking industry and others which have indicated they do not support any call for a shutdown.

We will ensure that businesses continue to operate on that day and that roads are accessible.

All Government services will be available as normal.

We encourage our communities to report any form of criminality and intimidation to their nearest police station or call Crime Stop.”

The cluster warned the protesters around the country to ensure that they are peaceful.

“No form of violence and criminality will be tolerated. The constitution guarantees the right to protest peacefully and within the ambit of the law and protesters must not infringe on the rights of others,” stated the JCPS.

Transport service Putco announced it will suspend its operations on Monday.

Spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said a company safety and risk assessment uncovered threats of intimidation and a planned interruption of road networks to prevent trucks and buses from operating.

“As a precautionary measure, and due to safety concerns for passengers and staff, Putco will render services on Tuesday, March 21 and full service will resume on 22 March 2023.

We urge all passengers and staff to remain vigilant,” said Xulu.

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