Metro cops go on strike
The South African Police are on high alert in Johannesburg as they city’s Metro Police go on strike. The Metro Police, disgruntled at corruption and favouritism in the department, have planned a series of strikes for the week, starting with a march in the city centre on Monday morning. It is unclear how long the strike will last. Traffic licensing and testing centres across the city are expected to be affected by the strike, these include Langlaagte, Randburg, Roodepoort and Loveday. Essential services in the city will not be affected. In a protest last year by Metro Police, parts of the M2 highway were closed off during peak-hour traffic and shots were fired between the SAP and Metro Police, causing chaos, with the traffic coming to a standstill.
Police on high alert after political violence in KZN
The South African Police are on high alert in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) this week after several incidents of apparent political violence over the weekend. Three ANC members were injured on Sunday when they were fired at while travelling back from an ANC rally in Nongoma, a rural part of northern KZN. There were also six reported cases of assault on ANC members who were pelted with stones while travelling to the rally. The ANC is accusing political rivals, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), of responsibility for the attacks. There is a history of violence between South Africa’s ruling ANC and the IFP in KZN, an IFP stronghold. There is concern that violence and intimidation will increase in the build up to the national elections, set to take place in April.
Visitors to KZN should note that these incidents took place in a rural part of the province and that tourist areas are not affected. Tourists are, however, advised to avoid political rallies and meetings.
