Natjoints confirms the arrest of over 550 civilians amid EFF-led peaceful Shutdown


By Tshegofatso Makola

Over 550 people are confirmed to have been arrested in the wake of the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF)-led National Shutdown for public violence, intimidation, damage to critical infrastructure, theft and attempted looting, among others.

This is according to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints), who released an update of their figures following the end of the Shutdown yesterday.

Natjoints expressed its satisfaction with the manner in which integrated law enforcement deployments managed yesterday's protest action, adding that it has delivered on its promise to ensure that businesses and services could operate with little threat of criminality.

The deployment of Natjoints alongside other law enforcement agencies comes as the Ministers in the security cluster, held various meetings to ensure that the Shutdown would  not result in a repeat of the 2021 July Unrest. 

Natjoints has since commended various entities within the security cluster, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), private security and members  of the Community Police Forums (CPF), neighbourhood watches and other community structures are also commended for their supportive role, as well as those part of the transport sector, including 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."

According to the latest figures, 149 arrests were made in Gauteng, 95 in the Northern Cape and 80 in the Eastern Cape, whilst the number of confiscated tyres remained at 24 300. 

Following the conclusion of the Shutdown yesterday, Natjoints has expressed that it will continue to "monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the country."

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National Shutdown

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