Pretoria – The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) on Sunday said it has mobilised all its resources to prevent lawlessness amidst threats of a protest by truck drivers.
Earlier in the week All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa’s deputy chairperson Mandla Mngomezulu said the national strike planned for Sunday was a stand against the employment of foreign nationals.
The ATDF said the strike was expected to disrupt major transport routes – including the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban.
On Sunday, the NATJOINTS and respective Provjoints said they have been meeting daily to monitor the situation and associated risks.
“With this said, multi-disciplinary joint law enforcement operations are underway and law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert to heighten police visibility to prevent and combat any form of criminality,” said the NATJOINTS.
“Private security companies through the SA Police Service E2 project (eyes and ears) have also pledged their support in working together to combat criminality.
“Thus, the NATJOINTS assures the nation that no lawlessness in the form of barricading of roads, torching of trucks, and looting of goods from those operating will be tolerated.”
The NATJOINTS called on those who are partaking in the protest to do so peacefully and respect those who do not wish to partake in the strike.
“‘To this end, those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law are warned that law enforcement officers will not hesitate to respond accordingly within the ambit of the law,” warned NATJOINTS.
“The NATJOINTS also assures members of the public that the enforcement of the law will be applied within relevant prescripts to ensure people’s freedom of movement is not prohibited and that stability prevails throughout the country.”
