Pretoria braces for gridlock

ROADS CLOSED, POLICE DEPLOYED

Traffic delays are expected today as marchers from all provinces using buses, trains and private vehicles converge on the Pretoria CBD to gather at Church Square.

Opposition parties the African Christian Democratic Party, African Independent Congress, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement have called on South Africans to join a march to the Union Buildings to urge Jacob Zuma to resign as the president of the country.

At least two national roads, the N1 and N4, are likely to be affected.

Tshwane Metro Police spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said Madiba, Edmond and Hamilton streets will be closed to create parking for the buses bringing marchers into the city.

He added that Metro Police officers will be deployed to monitor the march and all affected streets and urged motorists to use alternative routes.

Speaking at a briefing, new Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula said he was pleased that no member of the South African Police Service (Saps) acted in a manner that was unprofessional and contrary to the standards they sought to uphold during last week’s anti-Zuma marches.

Mbalula said government would once again deploy officers to maintain law and order and also to keep South Africans safe.

“Again, government urges protesters to exercise their rights in accordance with the law, without resorting to violence, criminality and damage to property,” Mbalula said.

He also called upon protest organisers to ensure that the protest actions were peaceful and did not infringe on the rights of others. –