Police ready for Pretoria march
Minister warns organisers against intimidation
There are no indications that the anti-President Jacob Zuma march today by opposition parties could get out of hand.
Police authorities told reporters in Tshwane yesterday they were expecting it to proceed as peaceful as last Friday’s marches in different cities.
Zuma supporters were not expected to organise counter protests again, police said.
The ANCYL and Black First Land First clashed with marchers in KwaZulu-Natal and in Johannesburg.
There were also violent skirmishes outside Luthuli House, the ANC’s headquarters. Some in the Luthuli House group purporting to be uMkhonto weSizwe veterans were seen beating up a DA member.
“We do not foresee a [violent] situation arising out of [today’s] march,” said Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. “We … do not have any information on a counter march. We take it that that’s going to remain the case and anyone will respect the right of those who will march.”
Pertaining to attacks on marchers last week “there were definitely some arrests, especially in KwaZulu-Natal”, said Phahlane.
EFF leader Julius Malema has dared Zuma defenders to try and disrupt the march.
“They won’t do it here‚ I can tell you that. We won’t play like that‚” he said on Monday.
Police Minister Fikile Mbalula warned marchers to maintain order today. “We call upon protest organisers to ensure the protests are peaceful. Intimidation of those who choose not to join the protests will not be tolerated,” he said.