Marchers must behave – Mbalula

PROTESTERS converging on Church Square in Pretoria for today’s National Day of Action will be met with “greater police visibility”, says Police Minister Fikile Mbalula.

Marchers are expected from around 9am before heading to the Union Buildings in a protest against President Jacob Zuma organised by opposition parties and civic organisations. Mbalula called for protesters to obey the law. “The police together with other government departments, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders will once again be deployed to maintain law and order and keep South Africa safe,” Mbalula said.

“We call upon protest organisers to ensure that the protest actions are peaceful and do not infringe on the rights of others.

“Intimidation of South Africans who choose not to join the protest will not be tolerated.”

Tshwane Metro Police department spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said the march had been approved and that people were expected to arrive from all over the country.

Meanwhile, the SACP will picket outside the National Treasury offices in Pretoria next Friday.

Provincial spokesperson Jacob Mamabolo said: “We will highlight through our picket the demand to set up a proper, sound and financially sustainable Post Bank, as the only and most suitable distributor of the social grants.”