Byline: Andani Matumba
Monday, 20 March 2023
The Economic Freedom Fighters in eMbalenhle began the National Shutdown strike at midnight.
Their main aim was to protest against the ongoing electricity crisis and demand that Ramaphosa steps down as President of the Republic of South Africa.
In the previous week, the media was bombarded by statements from different government departments, the opposition and the President regarding the ensuing national shutdown strike.
It was business as usual today in Secunda, Embalenhle, Kinross and some parts of Bethal, with a bit of disruption in Lebohang where strikers retaliated at the warning shots by police by stoning police vehicles.
It was with great distress that the red-bereted members from Govan Mbeki Municipality were met with acts of violence from the Police as well as Vukta members in eMbalenhle.
According to the General Secretary of EFF in Gert Sibande District, Comrade W.E Chauke, said that their strike was peaceful and initially planned.
The trouble started when they were at eMbalenhle Traffic Circle headed towards Bracken Mine when they were ambushed by taxi driver and police who violently assaulted them with fists and opened hands with another member who was gravely injured as he was brutally kicked in his ribs.
Chauke said the members even drew guns at them as an act of intimidation to stop them from picketing and they had to dodge bullets by running to near bushes.
The EFF General Secretary feels that members of the public did not respond as anticipated due to the acts of intimidation by the state as well as the local taxi association which is led by thugs.
Residents stated that due to the deployment and visibility of police officials, it is possible for police officers to combat crime, the only problem is that the country is led by incompetent leaders who only perform their duties when them and not on the people.
“From last night, they were police officers everywhere in such a manner that we have never seen that much visibility since the level 5 Covid-29 lockdown,” said Thabiso from the EFF.
For a full interview with General Secretary of the EFF, Comrade W.E Chauke follow the link below on Facebook:
