Restrict your movements to safe areas, avoid mass gatherings ahead of national shutdown by EFF — Ghanaians in South Africa warned

The Ghana High Commission in South Africa has warned Ghanaian residents in that country to avoid mass gatherings and restrict their movements to safe areas ahead of the Economic Freedom Party (EFF) planned national shutdown on Monday, 20th March, 2023.

According to the mission, though, the organisers of the national shutdown have promised a peaceful protest, previous peace walks and demonstrations have turned violent.

The EFF is planning a national shutdown on 20 March, demanding the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to load shedding.

In the run-up to the shutdown, the party has been warning communities to shut businesses or risk looting.

In a statement cited by this portal, the mission advised members of the Ghanaian community to be vigilant.

"The mission would thus like to advise members of the community to be vigilant to any such incidents, restrict their movements to safe areas, avoid mass gathering and contact the police for assistance when required," the statement noted.

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned EFF that lawlessness and any form of criminality will not be tolerated during the protest.

The police said it is the responsibility of the EFF to ensure that its planned national shutdown does not turn violent.