DURBAN North SAPS, Public Order Police and Gateway security officials have escorted several members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) out of Gateway Theatre of Shopping after they attempted to storm fashion retailer H&M. The store has been closed amidst a tense standoff with protesters.
Capt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North SAPS confirmed that members of the party were escorted out of the mall.
“We stopped several of the members from entering the mall. However some of protesters managed to make their way into the mall. The group has gathered on Solstice Road and had also protested with placards outside the boom gates of the mall. We have warned the protesters not to enter the mall. They have dispersed for now but we are still on high alert,” he said.
The store was closed earlier this morning. The EFF protests come after an advertisement by the international clothing company showing a black child in a green hoodie with the words “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” on it, which caused backlash on social media.
Leader of the party, Julius Malema said the dignity of black people was not something to joke about.
“We cannot allow the humiliation of black people to continue. No one should make jokes about the dignity of black people. “We make no apology for what the fighters did against H&M,” he said in an interview to The Citizen.
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