Government Puts Safety Measures in Place Amidst Threats of a National Shutdown

Government Puts Safety Measures in Place Amidst Threats of a National Shutdown. Trending at number one on social media platforms, are reports of the National Shutdown which is scheduled for the 10th of June.

This National Shutdown is apparently for fuel hikes, and the rising prices of commodities among other things. Recently, a litre of 95-octane unleaded petrol increased by R2.33. Diesel and illuminating paraffin went up by R1.10 and R1.56 per litre respectively. This has caused an upset on many people, who are now asking for government intervention. The social media posts about the shutdown have caused some panic among residents in the areas purported to be affected.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, has thus called on all people in South Africa to work together with law enforcement authorities to uphold and enforce the law. According to a statement they released earlier today, any action aimed at contravening the law, will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law.

The government’s security cluster said it has already started to put measures in place to ensure the safety and security of South Africans and that it is aware of unsigned messages and posters circulating on various social media platforms calling for a national shutdown.

“The NATJOINTS is aware of unsigned messages and posters circulating on various social media platforms calling for a National Shut Down. 

Those behind these messages are warned and reminded that prohibiting people’s freedom of movement is a criminal offense. Members of the public are therefore cautioned against spreading such messages that seek to mobilize communities to respond to the shutdown.

The NATJOINTS met on Wednesday, 08 June 2022 where they were briefed by the Intelligence Coordinating Committee( ICC) on the validity of the call for a National Shutdown. The Intelligence community is closely monitoring the situation and the associated risks.

With this said, law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert to prevent and combat any forms of criminality,” the statement reads.