By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed 3 474 SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members to work alongside police officers to maintain law and order during the EFF’s national shutdown
This is according to correspondence from Ramaphosa to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, on the deployment of the SANDF for “service for the prevention and combatting of crime.
The speaker said the president’s correspondence noted that this would be from 17 March to 17 April.
“The employment is in line with Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of South Africa of 1996 and Section 19 of the Defence Act of 2002 and will cost the taxpayer a total of R166 562 058.
The SANDF said members would be deployed in terms of Operation Prosper at various spots around the country to assist the police and other state departments.
SANDF spokesperson Andries Mahapa said the primary focus of the SANDF deployment would be to render protection of National Key Points and response to “situations which go beyond the control of the law enforcement agencies”.
Sporadic protests around the country.
Putco suspends bus operations
Bus service Putco has made a U-turn on its decision to run at full capacity on Monday after several of its buses were attacked or hijacked on Monday morning.
Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu says the decision was made following a attacks on some of their staff and buses.
“In Soweto buses were stoned and passengers as well as drivers had to flee, police assisted in recovering one of the damaged buses. In Eldorado Park services could not operate as roads for our staff buses to pick up drivers were blocked.
“A bus was hijacked at the Soshanguve depo operations where a female driver was forced out of the bus, which was used to block the road. Routes between Mpumalanga and Tshwane were blocked, including Moloto Road. One of the buses in the area had to take refuge at the Kwa-Mhlanga police station”.
Xulu says they are monitoring the situation and will provide an update on the possible resumption of services.
“Putco has logged these and many other incidents to the command centre established by the government. Our operation teams are monitoring the developments and will advise on the coverage of the afternoon shift, which at this stage looks very much unlikely”.
SABC crew attacked
An SABC crew came under attack while reporting on protests linked to the national shutdown in Bloemfontein.
According to the Free State Premier’s spokesperson Sello Dithebe, three members of national broadcaster were attacked in the early hours of Monday morning.
He claims the reports were attacked by people taking part in the EFF-led national shutdown.
“The crew was allegedly ordered out of the area and almost stoned with large rocks. The rocks were placed in the way of their vehicle before they drove over them. Premier Mxolisi Dukwana notes this cowardly and dastardly deed inspired by infantilism and neo-fascism. There is no revolution as some of these anarchists would have society believe.”
Dithebe describes it as an attack on media freedom and the principles of the constitution.
Meanwhile, another SABC member was allegedly attacked and injured in Cape Town while attempting to cover the national shutdown. It is said the member was struck with an object to head by one of the protesters.
Bus ferrying commuters stoned
A bus ferrying commuters was stoned by protesters in Seshego outside Polokwane in Limpopo on Monday.
Seshego Plaza is reportedly closed due to scores of protesters in the area.
Several other shops in the city have also closed their doors for the day.
Mankweng shopping complex in Turfloop, Paledi Mall, and other businesses in the area are also not in operation.
University of Limpopo students have joined members of the public in their protest, while police continue to monitor the situation in all affected areas of Limpopo.