DA to lay charges against ANC

The DA’s march for “real job” was cut short after stun grenades were used to disperse brick-hurling crowds.

Police, who were creating a buffer between both parties, were forced to use stun grenades on ANC supporters after they charged the marching DA members and began pelting officers with bricks.

A petrol bomb was also launched at police from the crowd.

DA members were forced to retreat to the Westgate Transport Hub, where the march began, after they were stopped on the corner of Rissik and Marshall streets.

Police told them it was too dangerous to continue marching to Beyers Naude Square.

Police then blocked off roads in the city and a water cannon was wheeled out into the street.

Clashes between police and people dressed in ANC attire continued at the corner of Miriam Makeba and Fox streets.

According to police, four people wearing ANC t-shirts were arrested following violent clashes with police.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the four were arrested for public violence, but added that police were not aware of any injuries as a result of the incident.

Mogale said the ANC were granted permission to march in the early hours of 12 February.

It was not strange that both parties were granted permission to march on the same day, she said

Meanwhile, DA Gauteng premier candidate Mmusi addressed supporters, saying: “Comrades, victors are here and losers are there. When you get to the townships don’t fight. We are not fighting with anyone.”

He told supporters to disperse peacefully, adding that the ANC were losers.

The DA leadership decided to end the march, however the party’s supporters were not impressed.

DA supporter, Freda Kopele said she was not happy that the ANC had resorted to violence to sabotage the opposition party’s march.

“We didn’t come for a fight, so I don’t understand why they would knowingly march on the same day as us,” she said.

According to Kopele, DA supporters were not aware that the ANC would be also marching.

“Had I known they were marching, I wouldn’t have come.”

Khaylihle Masikane said the ANC resorted to “desperate tactics” to disrupt the DA’s march.

“There aim was to disrupt us and prevent us from marching… charging at us and throw bricks; what other purpose did they have?”

He criticised law enforcement officials, saying that police should have stopped the ANC supporters from marching at the onset and not have waited for violence to erupt.

According to DA leadership, the party plans to lay charges against the ANC.