Lowveld shutdown: The chaos that wasn’t
As far as protest consequences go, the Lowveld has seen worse than those of the recent planned national shutdown. Here is a breakdown on law enforcement's action and community structures' involvement.
The Lowveld held its breath ahead of the planned national shutdown on March 20, just to let it out in relief following the lack of chaos on the day.
This can be attributed on the one hand to the small number of protesters, but on the other to the massive police and security presence across the region.
Although largely not violent, the threat of what the protest might bring had some Lowveld areas in a state reminiscent of lockdown.
Operating from Lowveld Media’s offices, members of the Lowveld Security Joint Operation Command (JOC) kept in constant contact with their members on the ground and members of the SAPS, to ensure the community was kept up to date.
Although there were sporadic incidents of burning tyres and debris on roads and in areas, they were not closed for prolonged periods of time, due to police intervention.
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As promised before the protest commenced, public transport operated as usual, with only minor interruptions here and there.
Buscor’s chairperson, Norah Fakude, confirmed they could operate as normal.
“We only had one incident in Nkomazi in which protesters had barricaded the road with tree branches. Passengers and community members assisted to remove them.” She did remark, however, that in all of its operating areas, the majority of buses had been empty.
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The same was the case on the taxis’ side. According to John Mavundla, chairperson of Top Star Taxi Association, it operated normally during the shutdown, and none of its minibuses had been damaged.
The only problem was that the taxis did not have many passengers, and some withdrew because there was no one to ferry.
On the day of the shutdown, the premier of Mpumalanga, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, said she was happy with the progress law enforcement and others had made regarding the situation.
“If you did not do business today, it is by your own choice, not because of hindrances or the inability of the government to take decisive stunts in making sure that we protect and preserve your business.”
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The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, had promised on March 18 during a parade at Hoërskool Bergvlam that law enforcement was ready for whatever might occur.
The police intervened in incidents throughout the day. Over 40 people were arrested in Mpumalanga as a result. This was confirmed by a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, to one of Lowvelder’s sister publications.
Mohlala said the people were arrested and charges were brought forth against them, which included public violence, damage to infrastructure and intimidation.
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“We appreciate, however, those who conducted themselves and protested within the prescribes of our laws. We would also like to applaud and appreciate the help we received from the private security companies and members of the community who ensured that the day went smoothly,” said Mohlala.
In the Mbombela area, private security companies had 76 vehicles and 89 members on the ground. Other civilian structures contributed to 22 vehicles and 52 members monitoring the situation.
