#NationalShutdown update: EFF to return to Polokwane CBD – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

POLOKWANE – Demonstrations were short-lived in Polokwane’s central business district (CBD) earlier today with protesters moving into the immediate townships of Seshego and Mankweng to join others who are also affiliates of the EFF for the #NationalShutdown.

Read more: A breakdown of the #NationalShutdown in Polokwane so far

Police opened fire and several arrests were made for inciting violence in Seshego but the EFF say they will return to the CBD this afternoon.

The deputy provincial secretary Rassy Maepa said negotiations were made with the South African Police Service for protesters to occupy the CBD this afternoon and into the evening as the party’s call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign continue. No time was given by Maepa.

“Perhaps it was because we did not have police escorting us but now a greater police visibility will be present. We do not expect that they will open fire because fighters are disciplined people, however, we still plead that no normal operations should take place in the city because we would not be held liable for those that are found to be contravening the law,” he said.

Maepa says the party’s legal representatives are now working on the release of those who were arrested.

Around 35 people were arrested mid-morning in Seshego and taken into custody.

Having been at the scene, the Polokwane Observer can confirm that protesters were, at the time, not allowed to occupy a…