National shutdown: Latest updates and protest hotspots

The Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) national shutdown is underway, with protests breaking out around South Africa on Monday.

Police Minister Bheki Cele said more than 80 people have already been arrested. He said authorities will monitor the situation throughout the day.

National shutdown updates

The red berets demanded Ramaphosa step down and are protesting against the constant bouts of load shedding that South Africa has experienced for months.

Police are manning the streets in Soweto between Leratong Hospital and Protea Glen. The Citizen’s Getrude Makhafola says: “Taxis are ferrying people to work, no blocked intersections”.

There is also a strong police presence at OR Tambo International Airport which was warned to close down.

Protest map

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Nhlanhla Lux’s home bombed

Activist Nhlanhla Lux’s house was reportedly petrol-bombed shortly after 4am on Monday. Lux blamed the EFF for the incident.

Reporting from the scene, The Citizen News’ Lunga Mzangwe said there was heavy police presence outside the activist’s Soweto home.

Lux accused the EFF of not being able to “take defeat” and said he knows where Julius Malema’s children go to school. He added:

“If I was a weak thinker, I’d want to go and retaliate but I’m not that type of person.”

EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo dismissed Lux’s claims and threats as “baseless nonsense”.

NOW READ: ‘I know where Malema’s children go to school’ – Nhlanhla Lux

Compiled and updated by Cheryl Kahla. Additional Reporting by Faizel Patel and Lunga Mzangwe.