KZN deploys RTI teams before dawn ahead of June 30 marches
Duma said RTI officers would work alongside municipal traffic departments to redirect traffic where necessary.
Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers and Operation Shanela teams were deployed across KwaZulu-Natal from as early as 3 am on Tuesday as authorities moved to minimise disruptions during the planned June 30 demonstrations.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the province’s road network was already under close monitoring, with law enforcement focused on ensuring the safe movement of motorists, commuters and freight while allowing lawful demonstrations to proceed.
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“Around 3 am this morning, our highly efficient teams from Road Traffic Inspectorate and Operation Shanela were already monitoring our more than 34 000 kilometres of our road networks throughout the corners of the province,” said Duma.
He said authorities wanted to ensure that both demonstrators and ordinary members of the public could exercise their rights without unnecessary disruption.
“We pause to assure ordinary members of society and those who will be demonstrating that our teams will ensure the free movement of traffic to minimise any form of disruption.”
Duma said RTI officers would work alongside municipal traffic departments to redirect traffic where necessary.
According to Duma, RTI and Operation Shanela teams have maintained a heightened presence across the province since June 26.
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Duma said he would personally monitor operations throughout the day by visiting key routes and affected areas.
The MEC also said RTI teams continued assisting the Department of Home Affairs by escorting buses transporting undocumented foreign nationals out of the province following the recent repatriation process.
Duma welcomed the co-operation shown by organisers of Tuesday’s demonstrations, members of the public and law enforcement agencies, expressing confidence that the day would proceed peacefully.