WATCH: Durban #AntiZumaMarch turns violent, DA supporter attacked
Police had to use stun guns to disperse the violent crowd.
THE peaceful protests march along the Durban beachfront turned violent today as ANCYL members allegedly attacked a DA supporter. Police were forced to use stun guns to disperse the crowd.
According to reports, the protesters clashed in front of the Pavillion Hotel where a DA supporter was assaulted with sticks, by several individuals wearing ANCYL t-shirts.
The DA supporter was immediately whisked away into a police vehicle for safety.
DA KZN provincial chair, Haniff Hoosen confirmed the attack during a telephone interview, saying that the the violence had marred the ‘otherwise successful #MarchForChange’.
He said the ANC Youth League, who had also organised a march at Absa bank in the Durban CBD this morning, deviated from their original planned route and came face to face with dispersing DA protestors who had finished their march about 200-300 metres away.
The ANCYL accosted and attacked one of the DA activists who was wearing a DA T-shirt.
“Luckily we had teams patrolling the area making sure people were safe as they left who contacted the SAPS who responded immediately.”
“The police managed to contain the ANC protestors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anton Lembede Street in the Durban CBD was closed as ANCYL protestors made their way to Absa Bank, calling on the bank to “pay back the money.” A reporter at the scene said many of the protestors had arrived carrying sticks and branches. The atmosphere in the CBD is said to be very tense, with a strong police presence. Police also have some heavy artillery as they monitor the situation.
There have been no outbreaks of violence in the CBD and the crowd is said to number a few hundred. It is believed the Minister of Police in the SA Cabinet, Fikile Mbalula is expected to join the march later this afternoon. According to reports from the scene, the crowd is threatening to stay overnight.
