SEBOKENG. – Scores of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) protesters marched along Moshoeshoe Road to get to the Sebokeng Police Station on Monday afternoon.
This is as the EFF call for a national shutdown to protest against rolling blackouts and to pressure President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign.
Although protesters remained adamant that theirs was a peaceful protest, they were on the way met by taxi operators who spent the day holding sjamboks, ready to discipline anyone who may get out of line.
On arrival at the police station, members were met by a few police officers who had already closed the gate of the police station. Protesters who held placards with various messages written on them sang and chanted as they demanded better services from the government outside the police station.
“We just came here to greet the police. We wanted to show them that we are peaceful protesters,” they said.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, EFF members said that they were highly disappointed by community members who did not show up to part-take in the protest.
“We are not doing this to push the agenda of the EFF. Service delivery concerns all of us. For as long as our people do not stand up and fight for their rights, things will remain the same.”
In a statement, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) re-affirms its commitment to serving and protecting both law-abiding protestors and non-protestors. The Natjoints will not allow and tolerate any forms of lawlessness and acts of criminality.
“Anyone found to be contravening the law will be dealt with accordingly. Law enforcement officers are on high alert and will continue to prevent and combat any acts of criminality, maintain public order, protect the inhabitants of South Africa and their property as well as uphold and enforce the law.”
