Ermelo police’ station commander says they are prepared for national shutdown
Malema said the shutdown will not affect essential services.
The planned nationwide shutdown for Monday, March 20, will go as scheduled, according to EFF leader Julius Malema.
On Wednesday afternoon, Malema spoke to the press during a press conference.
Malema referred to the demonstration as the “mother of all shutdowns” and demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down.
He declared that the protest would be peaceful.
“We have engaged with malls, businesses, shopping complexes, and airports to let them know what will happen on Monday. We will meet with [taxi association] Santaco to also alert them that the streets will be occupied.”
Malema said neither the DA “nor anybody else” will be able to stop the shutdown, which Malema described as the EFF exercising their constitutional rights.
He said the EFF planned on “shutting down the country to show the world we are concerned about the state of affairs [in the country]”.
“We welcome the support from all other organisations such as the ATM, UDM, and the Saftu as they understand the importance of this protest to try to steer the country back to its former glory because it is at the brink of collapsing.”
Malema said the shutdown will not affect essential services.
On the home front, a lot of anxious locals are unsure of what to expect tomorrow.
The station commander of the Ermelo Police, Col Sdumo Ngcobo, informed Highvelder today that they are ready for any actions or lawlessness.
He claims that starting this evening, 40 members will be on duty, and 16 POP members will join them later in the evening. Together with traffic officials, 80 members will report for duty tomorrow.
“The general public can rest assured that we will deal with the situation as it unfolds. Road blockages won’t be permitted, and locals can move around without restriction.”
According to Ngcobo, the situation is currently calm and under control in Wesselton and the town.
Although police will be present all around town, residents are advised to exercise caution and be vigilant when heading to work or the shopping malls.
