POLOKWANE – The #NationalShutdown by the EFF is well underway across the country as the party’s call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign and demand for constant electricity supply continues.

Here’s what we know so far:

REPORTED PROTEST ACTION:

POLOKWANE:

While Polokwane’s streets remain calm, protest action was reported in Ladanna earlier this morning as a group of EFF members barricaded the intersection of Witklip and Pietersburg Streets.

According to alert groups, around 40 protesters were last seen in Landdros Mare Street, making their way towards the CBD.

Most shops in Landdros Mare are closed.

On Sunday night, a group of EFF students marched through the streets of Ladanna but were stopped in their tracks by the local CPF.

#NationalShutdownPolokwane Thread:

A group from the EFF student command marched through the streets of Ladanna on Sunday night before they were stopped by members of the local CPF.

Video: Polokwane Traffic Alerts pic.twitter.com/RFSIibBhjW

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) March 20, 2023

SESHEGO:

Observer journalist Koketso Sekhwela reports many businesses are closed in Seshego out of fear of the unknown with residents opting to remain at home.

Listen here:

Meanwhile, a small group of protesters have gathered at the Seshego Circle with a heavy police presence in the area.

Sekhwela reports that arrests were made in Seshego this morning and that protesters have been detained at the Seshego Police Station.

“Provincial leadership have joined the protesters at the police station to find out why they have been arrested,” she said.

MANKWENG:

Reports of tires burning on the R71 near Mankweng was communicated this morning.

A heavy police presence has been reported in the area as students from the University of Limpopo (UL) gather at various points.

Shops at Paledi Mall and at UL have been closed as a result.

https://twitter.com/tshepaMotshewa/status/1637703611927998467

RESPONSE:

The leadership of the EFF in Limpopo has still not divulged which “strategic points” in Polokwane will be targeted during the scheduled protest.

Last week, members who want to remain anonymous said their withholding of information is a political move meant to protect their programme, which if divulged, would prepare members of the ruling ANC to jeopardise the initiative.

Read more: EFF Limpopo mum on #NationalShutdown details

Meanwhile, police said they have been monitoring the situation closely to prevent and combat any acts of lawlessness and criminality.

“The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) re-affirms its commitment to serving and protecting both law abiding protestors and non-protestors. Natjoints will not allow and tolerate any forms of lawlessness and acts of criminality. Anyone found to be contravening the law will be dealt with accordingly,” spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.

Mathe added that law enforcement officers are on high alert and will continue to prevent and combat any acts of criminality, maintain public order, protect the inhabitants of South Africa and their property as well as uphold and enforce the law.