KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces are in a war zone, a politically motivated looting and arson at factories and shopping malls in the main.  These provinces are already running low on petrol, and basic food items. Residents are standing in long queues at supermarkets, to stock up.

Fortunately the Western Cape is reasonably peaceful, and the only incidents which are occurring are related to a Taxi war, two associations being in conflict with each other. This is affecting the travel of staff to and from work.

Based on a rumour that large malls in the Southern Suburbs were to be targeted today, Security has been proactively visible at these malls, and Cavendish Square has proactively closed for the day.

Spreading Fake news appears to be the biggest problem in our province.

The Camps Bay Community Security Initiative ( CSI) has posted the following about the state of the Western Cape:

‘With the heightened violence and rioting happening, particularly in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng, questions are being raised about whether the Western Cape has sufficient safety protocols in place to pre-empt social unrest and looting should such events occur here.  

In an interview with John Maythem and JP Smith on Cape Talk, on Tuesday evening, a proactive approach has been implemented which includes over 7600 staff being deployed on the streets and in shopping malls to pre-empt any unrest. Fortunately, only 3 attempted incidents of violent protest action have been reported in the province despite several fake news reports.  

With all the news of what is happening throughout South Africa, people are understandably on edge. We caution people at this time to verify their sources and not send out unconfirmed information to avoid becoming part of the fake news problem. Most of the protest incidents going viral in Cape Town to date have been false.

Incidents of Taxi violence, robberies etc are being falsely identified as protests and looting.

Any incidents which have occurred in Cape Town have been relatively small, dealt with swiftly by SAPS, Metro and Law enforcement and do not relate to looting seen up country.

Premier Alan Winde mentioned in an interview with Cape Talk that SAPS in the Western Cape moved from a two-watch to a four-watch system. All leave days were cancelled which increased the number of personnel added to metro police and municipal law enforcement across all towns in the province.

The message doing the rounds about threats to 7 malls in Cape Town has been debunked as fake news. However some malls may have chosen to close as a precaution so please check before venturing out. At this point, the only mall we have confirmed to have closed for today is Cavendish Square.

Stay safe all.

From the CCP & CBCSI Team’

 

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde posted the following late yesterday afternoon:

‘Media release: Update by Western Cape Government on public unrest in some parts of South Africa and ongoing taxi violence || 14 July 2021 📢

This morning, the expanded cabinet of the Western Cape Government met for the second day in the row, to ensure full coordination across the province, following continued incidents of looting in some parts of South Africa.

This evening, a special joint cabinet and MAYCO meeting will also take place with the City of Cape Town, where security in the province, and ongoing taxi violence will be discussed.

There has been no looting in the Western Cape, as of our last report, and all partners remain on full alert to respond to any incidents.

Premier Alan Winde said: “The Western Cape Government, SAPS, law enforcement, traffic officers, Metro Police, and Neighbourhood Watches are working closely together to ensure the safety of our residents. I would like to thank every single person in our province for continuing to remain calm and for rejecting public violence. I particularly want to thank all those volunteers who are actively patrolling to ensure that the Western Cape is safe. We remain on full alert and will take swift action to maintain law and order in the province.”

“We continue to remind residents to refrain from sharing fake news. This will only make the situation worse, by creating panic and diverting resources unnecessarily. Please check reliable, official sources for information, and report any criminal activity straight to the SAPS,” continued Premier Winde.

Continued taxi violence remains of great concern to the Western Cape Government, with several more incidents reported during the course of today.

The Provincial Minister of Transport and Public Works, Daylin Mitchell said the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works is doing everything possible to ensure that CATA and CODETA come to a resolution as meetings with the taxi leadership continue today and tomorrow.

“We are committed to finding a lasting resolution to the ongoing dispute between these two taxi associations. However, I must be clear that we will not standby and allow violence to continue unabated. That is why I have already gazetted a notice, in terms of Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, that will empower me, after consultation with SAPS, to close certain routes and ranks. I await public comment in terms of the Act. We are also applying for an interdict in the Western Cape High Court, to prevent illegal taxi services by either taxi association on established routes. I again want to thank the SAPS and law enforcement for their continued support, and I urge swift arrest and prosecution of all those involved in violence and murder.”

The Western Cape Government encourages residents to remain calm, to reject violence and to respect the rule of law.

Additional regional numbers for reporting emergencies in the Western Cape:

▶️SAPS – 08600 10111
▶️City of Cape Town – 107 or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357
▶️Overberg – 028 425 1690
▶️West Coast – 022 433 8700
▶️Garden Route – 044 805 5071
▶️Central Karoo – 023 449 8000
▶️Cape Winelands – 021 886 9244 / 021 887 4446’

 

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.whaletalesblog.com www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: Chris von Ulmenstein, My Cape Town Guide/Mein Kapstadt Guide Instagram: @Chrissy_Ulmenstein @MyCapeTownGuide