Sunday, March 19, 2023

Western Cape authorities on high alert for National Shutdown

The Western Cape Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure said they will be on high alert on Monday, for the planned national shutdown.

SAPS and Western Cape Government briefed the media on Sunday, on its state of readiness.

‘’Today marks seven days since the Western Cape ProvJoints started intense planning meetings in anticipation of the national protest action scheduled for Monday, 20 March 2023. Integrated law enforcement agencies in the Western Cape under the auspices of the ProvJoints (Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure), are on high alert with strategic and tactical deployments in place ready for any eventuality throughout the Province,’’ said Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape’s Police Commissioner.

‘’The integrated forces comprising SANDF members, various SAPS units, metro police with law enforcement officials from different municipalities, traffic services and a contingent of private security officials are operationally ready with deployments scheduled to commence at  predetermined times in identified locations,’’ he added.

                      
PICTURE - SAPS: Western Cape’s Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, briefing the media on state of readiness in the Western Cape for planned national shutdown

 

Patekile said officers will be deployed across the metro - on foot, horseback, in vehicles and motorbikes with air support - to respond to incidents of lawlessness.

‘’The deployments will be enhanced utilising the integrated CCTV camera systems as well as other cutting edge technology,’’ he said.

The provincial police commissioner pleaded with organisers and participants of the planned action to abide by the rule of law.

‘’Law enforcement officials will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who break the law and infringe upon the rights of others. Ladies and gentlemen, a dedicated contingent of detectives from the South African Police Service will be on hand to investigate reported cases.’’

Patekile also warned social media users to refrain from inciting violence and/or spreading misinformation.

‘’Social media users are warned against posting and disseminating inflammatory content contained in videos and messages that seek to incite violence and spread falsehoods.  Law enforcement officials will without hesitation invoke relevant pieces of legislation (Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act and Section 18H of the Films and Publications Act) in relation to inappropriate social media posts.’’

Patekile urged Community members, business owners, drivers, commuters and any other affected parties to contact the following numbers for a prompt and coordinated response:

Provincial Government: 0860 142 142

 SAPS WC POCC:  0800 31 4444

City of Cape Town: 107 / 021 480 7700

SAPS Garden Route District: 044 803 4455 / 044 803 4414 / 044 803 4415

 SAPS West Coast District: 087 077 0837

 SAPS Central Karoo District: 023 302 8326 / 082 302 8326

 SAPS Cape Winelands District: 021 807 4015 / 082 522 3175

 SAPS City of Cape Town District: 082 469 1529

 SAPS Overberg District: 028 313 7000

 ‘’Planning and situational-assessment meetings with all role players will continue on a regular basis for an integrated and coordinated response to the pending protest action.’’

‘’The integrated law enforcement agencies under the auspices of the ProvJoints acknowledge and respect the right of individuals to protest as it is after all enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the supreme law of the Country. However, it is incumbent on the organisers and participants to protest within the parameters of the law thereby respecting the rule of law. Once there is a breach of the law, we as law enforcement agencies will act decisively,’’ concluded Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape’s Police Commissioner.


Done By: Mitchum George

No comments:

Six children amongst 8 killed when bus overturned in Worcester

The festive season has just about begun, and already road carnage has been reported. Eight people, including six children,   has lost the...