The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has at 22:00 20 March arrested more than 550 protestors during the EFF national shutdown.
This is for amongst others public violence, intimidation, damage to critical infrastructure, theft and attempted looting.
Also read: 87 arrested during EFF’s national shutdown in the last 12 hours
Of those arrested, Gauteng recorded the highest number of arrests with 149. The Northern Cape recorded the second highest number with 95 arrests. The Eastern Cape also saw 80 protestors arrested, followed by Free State with 64 arrests.
The number of tyres that were confiscated throughout the country remains at 24 300. These were tyres that were strategically placed for acts of criminality.
“Natjoints is 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,” they said in an update on Monday evening.
The Natjoints was working closely with various stakeholders in the security Cluster.
“The Natjoints is therefore pleased to report that it has delivered on its promise to the inhabitants of this country. In ensuring that the measures that are in place enabled businesses and services to operate with minimum incidents of criminality reported throughout the country.”
They also commended the members of the Community Police Forums (CPF). Neighbourhood watches and other community structures are also commended for their supportive role.
Also read: ICYMI: Limpopo N1 Toll fees as of March 2023
Also the transport sector, especially the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and National Taxi Alliance (NTI).
“The Natjoints takes this opportunity to appreciate the protest that proceeded in a peaceful and orderly manner in Pretoria. In the rest of the country, those who were found to be contravening the law were dealt with accordingly, within the ambit of the law.”
Meanwhile, EFF leader Julius Malema has described the shutdown as the most successful in South Africa.
