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The DA in the Free State notes with concern the threats of violence and intimidation made against individuals and businesses by the EFF relating to their calls for a national shutdown on 20 March 2023.

The DA has written to the Premier, Mr Mxolisi Dukwana, and the SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane, requesting them to ensure that the rights of Free State residents to work and move freely without harassment or fear of violence are protected.

The DA will monitor the situation and calls on residents not to allow their constitutional rights to be infringed upon. Should incidents of intimidation and violence occur, they must be reported to the SAPS.

We encourage businesses and residents to be vigilant.

The celebration of Human Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked with 21 March 1960, when 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the Pass laws in Sharpeville.

It is ironic that the EFF will want to restrict the rights of people to move freely, go to work and earn a living in a similar way. The EFF is tarnishing the memory of those who died for basic human rights, freedom, and the rule of law in South Africa through their self-serving political agendas.

The DA will hold the SAPS and the Provincial Government accountable for ensuring the basic human rights and the safety and security of all residents of the Free State. Our public representatives across the Free State will be on standby on 20 March to monitor the situation and assist our residents.

Issued by Dr Roy Jankielsohn - DA Provincial Leader, Free State