This, after intelligence was received that debris and objects were being gathered with the intention to block roads. The EFF is expected to embark on a national shutdown on Monday over a variety of issues facing the country. These include high levels of poverty, the high unemployment rate, gender-based violence (GBV), and the ongoing electricity crisis.

According to the SABC, the Deputy Police Commissioner in the province, General Patrick Asaneng, says “there are individuals who are already, despite assurances that the protest will be peaceful, gathering debris that they intend to use as barricades. We are saying a total shutdown is unlawful, because it seems to indicate that they want to disrupt normal services. There can never be a shutdown of services which can be categorised as peaceful or as legal."

Recently President Cyril Ramaphosa said although government respects the right to protest and the expression of dissatisfaction, lawlessness will not be tolerated in any protest. Ramaphosa was speaking during a media briefing at the Official State Visit of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her delegation on Thursday.

“South Africa is governed by the rule of law. We are a constitutional democracy. Regime change can only come about through the vote. It cannot come about through anarchy, unleashing disorder in the country. I want to say very clearly: disorder and anarchy will not be allowed in South Africa. We will not allow those who want to spread anarchy to do what they like here in South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.

ALSO READ: Anarchy and disorder will not be allowed

Meanwhile, the Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, labelled the planned shutdown as a “desperate attempt by individuals in pursuit of narrow gains.”

Dukwana, on Friday, met with the provincial police commissioner at the OR Tambo Building in Bloemfontein ahead of the expected EFF national shutdown on Monday 20 March 2023.

ALSO READ: Dukwana meets with police commissioner ahead of shutdown

The meeting between Dukwana and Commissioner Baile Motswenyane came as Police Minister Bheki Cele announced there will be a large contingent of police on the ground to quell any potential acts of violence or intimidation.

OFM News