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Police arrested over 550 people on various charges during Monday’s national shutdown which the Economic Freedom Fighters said had been an overwhelming success.
In a statement, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, (Natjoints), was satisfied with the manner in which the integrated law enforcement deployments have exercised their authority in ensuring law and order in the country thus far.
SAPS national spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, said the Natjoints working closely with various stakeholders in the security cluster, “ensured maximum mobilisation of resources to heighten police visibility with a view of preventing acts of lawlessness and criminality.”
She said they were therefore pleased to report that Natjoints had delivered on its promise to the country of ensuring that the measures that are in place enabled businesses and services to operate with minimum incidents of criminality reported throughout the country.
Mathe also commended members of the Community Police Forums (CPF), neighbourhood watches and other community structures are also commended for their supportive role, as well as the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and National Taxi Alliance (NTI).
“The Natjoints has at 22:00 on 20 March 2023 arrested more than 550 protestors for amongst others public violence, intimidation, damage to critical infrastructure, theft, and attempted looting,” she said.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of arrests with 149, the Northern Cape recorded the second highest number with 95 arrests, and the Eastern Cape also saw 80 protestors arrested, followed by Free State with 64 arrests.
Mathe said the number of tyres that were confiscated throughout the country remains at 24 300, adding that these were “strategically placed for acts of criminality.”
She said law enforcement deployments will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the country.
