Security cluster 'better prepared' for shutdown than July unrest – expert
Security and policing expert Johan Burger said the country’s security authorities are better prepared to handle a mass protest such as the EFF-led national shutdown.
The planned shutdown will take place on Monday.
More than 300 people lost their lives when rioters in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal looted shops, and torched and vandalised property, causing economic damage worth billions.
Following a briefing by ministers in government’s security cluster, Burger said he is satisfied that the information gathering and operational planning by the responsible national and provincial structures are adequate.
He said the much-publicised mobilisation by the EFF and its leaders give away the format, location, and date, and also gave ample time for authorities to plan for the protests.
“Everybody knows what is being planned for Monday, you don’t even need intelligence. But I am certain the intelligence community is much better geared now and would have much more information than what the rest of us have through media reports.”
Defence Minister Thandi Modise emphasised that government was working to remedy its "weakness" when addressing intimidation and incitement on social media.
She issued a stern warning that those who use these platforms to promote lawlessness would not get away with it.
Last year, 22 people were released on bail by the Durban Magistrate's Court after they were arrested on charges relating to the 2021 violence. They faced charges of conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence, and incitement to commit arson.
Burger said even this aspect of the potential security threat appears to be covered.
“Although we already had the technology to intercept messages on social media in 2021, and to track those, we didn’t do that because we didn’t expect what happened then…this time round, we were forewarned; we have the information, we have the technology and I’m certain that the capabilities that exist are being applied to ensure that we would be able to intercept this kind of messages and properly analyse and adapt the operational planning where needed.
"And to also be prepared to act against individuals or groups who clearly from those messages are involving themselves in unlawful acts.”
EXPERIENCED NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER IS AN ADVANTAGE
“Previously we had a national commissioner who had very little operational planning and was never involved in any of the so-called ‘big events’ security and crime combatting operations. The current national commissioner, this is his fortè,” said Burger.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Fannie Masemola to the position in 2022, after terminating Khehla Sitole’s contract amid tensions between Sitole and police minister Bheki Cele.
Masemola was appointed chairperson of the NatJoints during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions implemented by government to curb the spread of the disease.
“He’s been extremely successful as a 'behind the scenes' senior commanding officer in the joint structures. Now we have someone who has an excellent operational track record, and he is in control,” added Burger.
Meanwhile, Burger said the role of the SANDF has not been detailed despite the defence minister announcing the army is on standby. However, with the EFF targeting the OR Tambo International Airport – which is a national key point – protesters will know that security around such areas will be at its highest.
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