'SA's unhappiness with Ramaphosa is not a licence for illegal foreigners to call for his resignation': McKenzie

The EFF in Gauteng on Wednesday said it would picket outside police stations and courts to demand the release of protesters detained during the shutdown.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) arrested more than 550 protesters for public violence, intimidation, damage to critical infrastructure, theft and attempted looting.

“After deployment of police for the protests, it is apparent they were sent to provoke and arrest innocent demonstrators to justify the wasteful expenditure of R166m in deploying the army and reserve police,” it said

“The arrest of peaceful demonstrators and their denial of the opportunity to apply for bail lays bare the way in which the state is ready to infringe the fundamental right to freedom of expression, especially on views that criticise and expose the state and corrupt politicians.”

The party called on police minister Bheki Cele, justice minister Ronald Lamola and provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Elias Mawela to release the protesters.

“The EFF Gauteng will engage in pickets at police stations and courts in demand of the release of the peaceful demonstrators.”