It’s the day of the national shutdown called by the EFF, and already there have been sporadic incidents in parts of Cape Town.
There’ve been stone-throwing incidents on the N2 highway near the Borcherd’s Quarry Road exit in the Nyanga area, where a television news crew was attacked.
The EFF is protesting against the incessant power cuts, and wants President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie says all public transport vehicles will run their normal schedules today.
Taxi mother body Santaco and Golden Arrow confirmed that their taxis and buses will continue with their regular services.
Metrorail also confirmed that its trains will be running in the province.
Mackenzie says he expects commuters to use public transport without any intimidation.
“People must be able to go to work using public transport without threats or intimidation. If you plan to participate in the protest to do so peacefully and without disrupting the rights of others to safety and freedom”.
The police top brass says it’s on high alert and ready to deal with any violent incidents during today’s shutdown.
The integrated forces including the police, soldiers, law enforcement officers and private security, have been deployed to various places.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile says he can’t disclose some of the strategic positions.
“Of course, there will be places where we will be more enhanced for security reasons. The strategic places include Parliament, both houses, the City of Cape Town, and the Cape Town International Airport”.
