Twenty protesters arrested near Newcastle during EFF National Shutdown
Law enforcers on the ground reported that a group of about 200 protesters gathered along the Stieldrift Road (P272) and blocked the road with burning tyres and large rocks.
Twenty protesters were arrested today for public violence and damage to public infrastructure in the KwaNtshangase area, near Osizweni township (Newcastle). The protest was part of the EFF’s national shutdown.
Law enforcers reported that a group of about 200 protesters gathered along the Stieldrift Road (P272) and blocked the road with burning tyres and large rocks.
When attempts were made to disperse the crowd, the protesters allegedly became hostile and violent, necessitating intervention from the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit.
Recent reports from the area indicate that the scene has since been cleared and the debris from the protest removed from the road.
Besides the incident in KwaNtshangase area, there were only a few isolated incidents reported in Newcastle and the surrounding areas.
EFF supporters made a few attempts to block roads in Osizweni and in KwaMathukuza.
However, these attempts were quickly diffused by law enforcers and members of the Community Policing Forum.
There are no busses operating in Newcastle and the surrounding areas today, and only a few taxis that are transporting commuters.
CPF comment on the situation:
The Newcastle Station CPF (Community Policing Forum) would like to inform the community regarding the EFF planned national shutdown, that no notice of protests as per section 3 (2) of the regulations act was received.
The blocking of roads and preventing the movement of people is unconstitutional and individuals may be charged by SAPS if protests are not conducted peacefully.
The District SAPS, together with various structures of the CPF and private security, will be on hand to patrol and monitor the situation going forward.
The decision to open your business on March 20 rests solely with you. However, public transport associations have publicly pledged to do business as usual.
“We ask the community to be the eyes on the ground – report to the SAPS or CPF members any large crowd gatherings and any tyres and rubble being strategically placed on the roadside.
Suspicious behaviour can be reported to the following people:
- Ismaeel Dhalech (CPF Chairperson): 072 136 7677
- Bennie Vorster (CPF Treasurer): 083 406 9379
- Aasif Cassim (CPF Vice Chairperson): 065 879 2316
- Talha Randeree (CPF Secretary): 083 254 6943
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