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| Alfonso Nqunjana/News24 |
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, commissioner of police in KwaZulu-Natal, said the EFF had not given the police a request to protest ahead of the party's planned countrywide "shutdown" on Monday, which might lead to a conflict.
Mkhwanazi stated that this was done to safeguard residents who were not participating in the protests.
The law does not require the EFF to get permission from the police to stage a protest, but they must give notice to the police. If they don’t give the notice, law enforcement [officers] are likely to stop them
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| Alfonso Nqunjana/News24 |
Police Minister Bheki Cele ordered the police force to ensure citizens' safety during the shutdown.
Those who would be marching have a right to do so. There are restrictions, ways, and measures to be followed. They don't have any permission or right to harm, disturb, or block South Africans about to go with their plans for the day.
Nobody should block or occupy roads at the expense of other road users. Nobody should loot or force anybody to close their shops or businesses. You shall be there. You shall refuse and stop anybody from preventing others in the country."
You have the right to fill prisons. All police trucks must be on standby to load those who break the law.
Police vans must be full. If there is no space, continue arresting them. They must sleep standing. Ensure the law takes its course and the law doesn't retreat. We will see later if they eat, drink or bathe.
Given the above statements from the Policr Minister and the KZN Police commissioner, it is evident that things are likely to operate smoothly on Monday. Also, SANTAGO said it will continue working. The national shutdown is expected to be an average March like other marches.
