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.
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
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