Contingency plans for protest in George

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality in a statement this afternoon, 19 March, reassured residents that the Disaster Services, Traffic, and Law Enforcement departments are on high alert and working closely with Western Cape Disaster Management, Provincial SAPS, POPS, neighbourhood watches and other relevant stakeholders involved in safety and security.

Contingency plans have been put in place to ensure that service delivery continues as per usual for Monday 20 March for the planned EFF protest march.

The municipality requested residents to remain calm and to access its social media sites for regular updates on any issues that might impact on their day-to-day business. All municipal offices remain open for services on Monday.

Report any intimidation

Local businesses, organisations or institutions that receive threats of violence or looting to take place on Monday are requested to lay a complaint of intimidation with their nearest police station and inform the municipality.

Such threats should be registered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) immediately or reported to 0860 142 142 or service@westerncape.gov.za.

The municipality said that it supports the right to gather and protest peacefully, but does not condone threats of violence, looting and intimidation.

Use of drones not permitted

George Municipality’s Disaster Management said the flying of drones in the George municipal area is strictly prohibited and permission from the municipality is required.

"Those who fly drones illegally will be dealt with decisively by law enforcement agencies The George Airport has a 10km radius of 'NO FLY ZONE' under Civil aviation law and recreational drone flying is not permitted."

Even though professional drone operators have a 'pilot's' license, they must have permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to fly within the 10km range, as well as permission from the local authority and landowner, even outside the no-fly zone.

The municipality called on the public not to use drones, especially during the possible planned shutdown on Monday 20 March as this will pose a risk to the airport and the Denneoord fire base landing strip, and will be a deterrent to the work of the SAPS and the emergency services trying to conduct their duties during this time.