Police and law enforcement agencies have asked mourners and residents of Orlando, Soweto, to take note of road closures that will take place ahead and for the funeral of struggle veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, on Saturday.
Since the passing of Madikizela-Mandela, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (NATJOINTS) has been meeting regularly in preparation for the funeral scheduled to take place on 14 April 2018, at Orlando Stadium, in Soweto.
NATJOINTS comprises all law enforcement agencies at both national and provincial levels, as well as various other government departments which formed part of the planning team to ensure the smooth running of the events.
Road closures
Law enforcement agencies anticipate that the following roads will be closed off to traffic on Saturday:
- N17 traffic circle and Klipspruit Valley
- Soweto Highway and Mooki street
- Sofasonke and Mooki street
- Adams street and Masopha street
- Adams street and Ballenden street
- Adams street and Rathebe street
- Adams street and Martha Louw street
- Adams street and Mofokeng street
- Adams street and Nkomoyahlaba
- Adams street and Mooki street
- Hlatswayo street and Mogoye
- Mjongwe street and Mooki street
- Mooki street and Mofokeng street
- Mooki street and Martha Louw street
- Mooki street and slipway at Orlando court
- Martha Louw and Klipspruit Valley road
- Nkwanca street and Martha Louw street
- Masupa street and Mooki street
“All these intersections will be manned by the multi-disciplinary law enforcement agencies. Residents who have no alternate access routes to their homes or places of business are advised to obtain access permits at Orlando Police Station.
“Mourners will not be allowed to drive through the cordoned off areas and will have to park at Nasrec Expo Centre from where they will be transported by bus to Orlando Stadium,” said the NatJOINTS.
Mourners urged to be patient
Mourners, who will be attending the funeral service, have been urged to exercise patience and conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
“Attendees are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and exercise patience so that all participants can mourn in a safe and secure environment. Parents and guardians are advised to give careful consideration to bringing along young children,” said the NATJOINTS.
Police to be on high alert
Police will be on high alert with tight security and members of the public are cautioned against committing illegal acts.
“Law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who unlawfully discharges firearms,” said the NATJOINTS.
With Mama Winnie’s burial set to take place in Fourways, Johannnesburg, the Fourways community is reminded, particularly people in close proximity to the Fourways Memorial Park that during the Special Official Category 1 Funeral on Saturday, there will be a 19 Gun Salute.
“This means that extremely loud bangs will be heard in that vicinity that may have an effect on people. Special care should be given to people suffering ill-health, the elderly and little children. Owners of pets are also advised that these loud bangs are likely to severely agitate animals and therefore special provisions should be made for them for the duration of the funeral ceremony,” said the NATJOINTS.
NATJOINTS ready, satisfied with plans
According to law, NATJOINTS has assessed the state of readiness and preparedness of all law enforcement agencies and is satisfied with the plans including security plans, transport plans, route security and access control of all the relevant departments.
“All government departments within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, together with the South African Police Service, will continue to work tirelessly in an effort to ensure that this ceremony continues unhindered,” said the NATJOINTS.
Weather
The security structure said it expects cold and wet weather on the day of the funeral and urges both motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution when traveling to, from and at the events.
“We are confident that all attendees irrespective of race, colour, creed and/or political affiliation will come together harmoniously to honour the late Mrs Madikizela-Mandela,” said the NATJOINTS. – SAnews.gov.za
