Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
The countdown to the National Shutdown has officially begun, with Newcastillians facing a certain degree of uncertainty about what to expect on Wednesday, 24 August 2022.
The National Strike, initially spearheaded by the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), has rapidly gained momentum— with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) stating that it would be holding a National Strike on the same day.
*PAID ADVERTISING
On Monday, 22 August 2022, both the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) and National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) voiced their support of the mass initiative, urging its members to join and participate in the COSATU National Strike.
With plenty of nerves and uncertainty encircling the National event, the South African Police Service assured residents that police officers would be deployed to ensure law and order prevailed, thereby curbing any criminal activities.
To read the full article, click here.
As the build-up now enters its final stages, what can Newcastle residents expect?
The Newcastle Community Policing Forum’s (CPF) chairperson, Ismaeel Dhalech, explained that Newcastillians are encouraged to remain calm.
He further explained that the CPF met with the Newcastle South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Protections Services on Monday night, 22 August 2022.
During the meeting, Dhalech said, “There was no concrete evidence that anything will be taking place in Newcastle.”
Despite no credible information about the National Shutdown impacting Newcastle, and no applications brought forward regarding a march or a protest within the boundaries of Newcastle, Dhalech stressed that residents did not have to fret about being caught unaware.
“Extra hands have also been sent to help monitor Newcastle.” This will see the SAPS, Newcastle CPF, Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team and private security teams patrolling and monitoring the situation.
Furthermore, the Newcastle CPF highlighted that should any credible information be received by intelligence officials, it would be shared with the Newcastle community.
In a notice, the Newcastle CPF stated that it required the community to be their eyes and ears in these situations. Should you have credible information regarding the mobilisation of people, please contact the following people:
- Newcastle Station CPF Chair, Ismaeel Dhalech on 072 136 7677
- Deputy Chair, Aasif Cassim on 065 879 2316
- Newcastle SAPS
What are your thoughts on the above-mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
