SAPS ready for Cape Flats shutdown

The City of Cape Town says a total shutdown planned for Tuesday in various communities on the Cape Flats is an illegal protest.

The communities are protesting against rising poverty, crime and unemployment levels.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith says the city supports legal public protests, but it does not condone illegal marches.

He says the South African Police Service (SAPS) will work with the City of Cape Town to deal with any disruptions.

Smith says, “The problem is that these protesters have not applied for a permit in terms of the National regulations of gathering act. So this puts them in automatic conflict with SAPS. And we will likely see a replay of the kind of footage or situation of conflict between the South African Police Service and the Shutdown marchers which is extremely unfortunate.

The City of Cape Town police say additional members will be deployed to maintain law and order during the unlawful total shutdown on the Cape Flats.

Police spokesperson, Andre Traut says, “We can confirm that we are prepared for the envisaged protest action on Tuesday. Additional resources will be deployed to maintain law and order and to ensure the public’s safety during the protest action.”