‘Million people expected to march’
Meeting today to discuss anti-JZ march logistics
Police and organisers of the mass protest calling for President Jacob Zuma to step down will meet to discuss operational plans for the Friday march.
National police spokeswoman Colonel Athlenda Mathe said the meeting scheduled for today would determine the programme of action and how many police officers would be deployed.
According to the organisers, the protest in Pretoria aimed at removing Zuma from the office.
“In that meeting we will be discussing the terms of the protest... how many resources and police officers can be deployed to deal with crowd management,” Mathe said.
But the government has already warned that police will crack down on what they termed illegal protesters.
The call for mass protest follows public outcry after Zuma reshuffled his cabinet, and sacking former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas last week.
Tshwane metro police spokesman Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the metro had receiv ed a single application for the march from the African Masses Democratic Movement.
“In the application the movement said it expected one million people.
“We will be able to know the applicants when we meet at our headquarters on Wednesday [today],” he said.
Police said they were aware of the message which went viral on social media calling people to join the march and block highways on Friday.
Part of the message reads: “Every citizen, every city, everyone that cares about our country.
“Not because of the DA or any political party but because of South Africans.
“Do not go to work, or to school or do anything unless you’re taking to the streets in protest.”
Meanwhile, controversial businessman Kenny Kunene said he made a submission to law enforcement to deny permission for the Friday march.
Do not go to work, or to school or do anything... take to streets