With a total of 95 arrests, the Northern Cape recorded the second-highest number of protesters arrested during the EFF-led national shutdown on Monday.
WITH a total of 95 arrests, the Northern Cape recorded the second-highest number of protesters arrested during the EFF-led national shutdown on Monday.
According to the spokesperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints), Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, about 550 people were arrested for various crimes ranging from public violence to intimidation.
“Gauteng recorded the highest number of arrests nationally with 149, the Northern Cape was second with 95 arrests, the Eastern Cape had 80 arrests, followed by the Free State with 64 arrests. The NatJoints had by 10pm on March 20, 2023 arrested more than 550 protesters for crimes ranging from public violence, intimidation, damage to critical infrastructure, theft and attempted looting. There were 24, 300 tyres confiscated throughout the country. These tyres were strategically placed for acts of criminality,” said Mathe.
She said NatJoints is pleased with the manner in which the integrated law enforcement deployment had ensured that law and order was maintained in the country.
“Working closely with various stakeholders in the security clutter, NatJoints has ensured maximum mobilisation to heighten police visibility with a view of preventing acts of lawlessness and criminality. I commend the intelligence-driven operations and the swift response by members of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to pockets of opportunistic criminality.
“The secondary support role of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in assisting the work of the police by protecting critical infrastructure such as ports of entry, toll roads and harbours has also yielded positive results.
“The role of private security in sharing resources and as a force multiplier on the ground also played a major role in ensuring that law enforcement visibility is heightened. The SAP E2 (eyes and ears) project, the security industry made resources and tools of trade available to law enforcement.”
Mathe said community members and other organisations also played a pivotal part in ensuring the laws and regulations were obeyed.
“Members of the Community Police Forum (CPF) neighbourhood watches and other community structures are also commended for their supportive role. The transport sector, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) and the National Taxi Alliance are also commended,” Mathe said.
She added that law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor the situation across the country.
“Law enforcement deployments will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the country. Communities are encouraged to continue to report any wrongdoing and suspicious activities at their nearest police station or to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111,” said Mathe.
