The KwaZulu-Natal government is appealing for calm as unconfirmed reports continue to circulate on social media around a national shutdown on Monday.
This comes after similar calls led to widespread unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last month, which claimed more than 350 lives and caused billions of rands of losses.
In a statement from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, Major General Mathapelo Peters says security forces are on high alert to maintain stability in the country.
“Law-abiding citizens should be at ease knowing that the NatJoints is not taking these threats lightly. Security forces are on high alert and are ready to maintain stability in the country and will ensure the safety and security of South Africans. The NatJoints reminds the public that SA is still on alert level 3 of the lockdown and calls for maximum adherence to the regulations. Currently, outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 persons.”
Yesterday, the Hawks confirmed the arrest of a 31-year-old suspect for inciting public violence.
Spokesperson Katlego Mogale could neither confirm nor deny reports that the suspect is a Fees Must Fall activist.
Mogale says the suspect will appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
In the related video below from last month, scenes of brazen looting and chaos played out in KwaZulu-Natal:
Business as usual in Soweto
Meanwhile, it’s business as usual in large parts of Soweto on Monday morning.
The usually busy Bara taxi rank in Soweto is teeming with commuters boarding and getting off taxis.
Packed busses can also be seen transporting passengers to their destinations.
Traffic is flowing smoothly along the Chris Hani and Nancefield roads, which are used as routes into and out of Soweto.
Some of the shopping malls that were attacked and vandalised during last month’s civil unrest are not yet open.
Security guards are manning the entrances. There is no police visibility at the moment.
Last month, a Soweto family spoke to SABC News about the death of the child following looting at Ndofaya Mall:
-Additional reporting by Tshepo Phagane
