The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have remained on the sidelines of the shutdown riots that broke out this past weekend, until now.
Julius Malema deploys EFF to join SA shutdown
Party leader Julius Malema posted a tweet moments after sightings of armed soldiers taking up position in various parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) were made, commissioning his ‘fighters’ to join the SA shutdown.
“We need a political solution to a political problem, not soldiers,” he warned.
No soldiers on our streets! Otherwise, we are joining. All fighters must be ready… they won't kill us all. We need a political solution to a political problem, not soldiers.#NoToSoldiers
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) July 12, 2021
SANDF deployment is for ‘assistance’ – Ministry says
The deployment of the army comes as riots continue to spread out in Gauteng and KZN. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the decision to send in soldiers was made after a request for assistance was made by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS)
“The duration and number of deploying soldiers will be determined based on the assessment of the situation on the ground by the relevant law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, it must be emphasised that the SANDF’s deployment objective is to provide safety and a safe working environment for members of the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies whilst they carry out their constitutionally mandated law and order duties,” the Defence ministry noted
These were the sightings of the army that were recorded by eyewitnesses at the time this article was published.
#ShutdownSA More @SANDF_ZA members on the ground in Pietermaritzburg near the Provincial Legislature. Police chasing looters throughout the city & nearby townships. The capital city has been on fire since the morning as violent protests continue.#eNCA pic.twitter.com/uYNzS6y83m
— Siphamandla Goge (@SiphamandlaGoge) July 12, 2021
Current situation at Cambridge baragwanath,Diepkloof.
— Black_Panther (@KarlMarx_iv) July 12, 2021
SANDF #GautengShutdown pic.twitter.com/CxUvHeT036
SANDF to be deployed to support police in KZN & Gauteng. pic.twitter.com/wBv0gkCp3w
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) July 12, 2021
A few SANDF members are seen guarding national monuments and sites in Pietermaritzburg. We do not have confirmation of any deployment. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/qZWcAaEfgK
— Jayed-Leigh Paulse (@JayedLeigh) July 12, 2021