GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the interdict granted by the Western Cape High Court to prevent further attempts to incite violence as part of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ national “shutdown”.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) had joined the City of Cape Town’s legal bid to secure an interdict to prevent unlawful protests, incitement to violence and intimidation, and damage to property.
According to a statement by the WCG this afternoon, 17 March, its intervention was aimed specifically at extending the interdict beyond Cape Town’s municipal boundaries to the whole of the Western Cape province.
“I hope this interdict sends a clear, unambiguous message to anyone intent on shutting down our province and the country next Monday. I trust that all aspects of the interdict will be adhered to. Those who proceed with intimidating residents who want to go to work on Monday must face the consequences of their actions. Apart from preventing anarchy, today’s legal action is also about supporting members of the public who want to work. Workers who are prevented from going to work stand to lose a day’s wages, especially temporary and contract staff. The calls for a shutdown are callous and against workers,” said Winde.
Winde said the Western Cape Government (WCG) is committed to economic freedom, "not shutting down our economy".
"With us forging ahead with our economic recovery, it is counterintuitive to impede people from going to work."
He said the province will not allow individuals to place the safety of many thousands of people at risk. “I reiterate, we as the WCG will not tolerate any attempts to prevent law-abiding citizens from going about their business, foment violence or endanger lives. Everyone in our country has a right to protest, but not to impose their views on others or infringe on their rights. The provincial government is prepared for any eventualities."
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has been activated and all emergency and law enforcement agencies are on high alert, according to the statement.
Winde held a series of meetings this week with various stakeholders, among them Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, to ensure the province is prepared.
Should members of the public witness any acts of violence or intimidation on Monday, they are urged to contact law enforcement or the WCG through the following ways:
Call Centre: 0860 142142 Email: service@westerncape.gov.zach
George Municipality issues stern warning on drones
George Municipality in a statement this afternoon, 17 March, refers to some voice notes that are in circulation on social media platforms about the planned flying of drones to coincide with the planned EFF shutdown on Monday 20 March.
The municipality’s Disaster Management in the statement states that the flying of drones in the George municipal area is strictly prohibited and permission from George Municipality is required. "Those who fly drones illegally will be dealt with decisively by law enforcement agencies," says the municipality.
The George Airport has a 10km radius of “NO FLY ZONE” under civil aviation law and recreational drone flying is not permitted.
Even though professional drone operators are issued a “pilot's” licence, they must have permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to fly within the 10km range, as well as permission from the local authority and landowner, even outside the no-fly zone.
The municipality called on the public not to use drones, especially during the possible planned shutdown on Monday as this will pose a risk to the airport and will be a deterrent to the work of the SAPS and the emergency services trying to conduct their duties during this time.
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