South Africa deploys thousands of police personnel amid fears of nationwide strike

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Thousands of police personnel in South Africa have been deployed on the streets of Johannesburg, the country’s largest city, and its environs on Monday amid fears of a nationwide strike.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Elias Mawela told reporters they have deployed an adequate number of law enforcement officers to avoid incidents of violent protests and looting.

This came after some social media users threatened to go on a nationwide strike, calling on the government to release former President Jacob Zuma, besides demanding jobs and resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In July, violent riots and looting broke out in the eastern coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal over the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma. The violence later spread to Johannesburg.

Some 300 people lost their lives in the riots, while hundreds were arrested.

Ramaphosa admitted in July that his government was “poorly prepared” to deal with what he described as an orchestrated campaign of public violence and destruction planned by anti-government elements.

Mawela said they had learnt from their past mistakes and would not allow a repeat of violence.

Earlier on Monday, Mawela visited malls and potential hotspots to evaluate the level of security preparedness.

“So far we have not recorded any incidents,” Faith Mazibuko, the Gauteng provincial security minister, said, adding helicopters have been deployed to help security personnel in monitoring the situation.

She said they were jointly working with Private security groups and taxi association to avoid any incidents in the province.

Several foreign shopkeepers in some townships around Johannesburg have closed their businesses and moved their merchandise to safer locations.

"I moved my goods to a warehouse in Mayfair, until I feel safe to open my business again,” said Abulmajied Ali, an Ethiopian national who runs a grocery shop in the Alexandra township, located north of Johannesburg.