SAPS and the South African National Taxi Council assure residents it will be business as usual on June 30
SAPS and SANTACO leaders have asked for calm ahead of planned demonstrations, warning against violence, intimidation, and disruptions to transport services.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) have requested peace prior to planned demonstrations on June 30, assuring residents public safety and public transport operations will be prioritised.
In a media briefing on June 24, acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said SAPS communicated with Santaco to make sure they play a helpful role in maintaining stability.
“We have requested them to stand with law enforcement. We have requested them to stand with the people of South Africa.”
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She added that they asked the taxi industry not to be involved in disruptive activities.
“We have asked them to use their voice, influence, and leadership to ensure that the taxi industry does not become part of any attempts to destabilise the country, disrupt economic activity, or intimidate communities.”
Speaking on reports that are circulating on social media linking the taxi industry to planned protest action, Santaco president Motlhabane Tsebe said the claims were incorrect. “These reports are false, and misrepresent the position communicated by the councils.”
He stated that Santaco supports demonstrations that coincide with the law, and the right of South Africans to express their constitutional rights, but cautioned against actions that disrupt transport services and economic activity.
“Santaco calls on all stakeholders involved in any planned demonstrations, campaigns, or advocacy initiatives to ensure their activities remain peaceful, lawful, and respectful of the rights, safety, and dignity of all people.”
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In a briefing on June 25, the Gauteng provincial joint operational and intelligence structure (Provjoints) assured the public that law enforcement agencies are prepared for the protest action.
According to Provjoints, an operational plan, consisting of the SAPS, Metro Police Departments, Gauteng Traffic Police, the department of home affairs, Community Policing Forums, and private security companies, has been put into place to maintain law and order.
In direct alignment with national security plans, Bramley SAPS Station Commander Colonel Lionel Chetty has activated a full-scale local security operation:
- Full force standby: Effective immediately, through to July 3, all Bramley operational members have been placed on high-alert standby duties. This includes all VisPol, support, and detective members.
- Special joint task team: A specialised task team, comprising SAPS, JMPD, private security, the department of home affairs, and Community Policing Forums, has been formed to actively monitor the Bramley policing precinct, from now until Sunday.
- 24-hour shift rotations: From June 29, law enforcement will be divided into two groups, working continuous 24-hour cycles split into 12-hour shifts (06:00 to 18:00 and 18:00 to 06:00) until July 3.
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