‘Immediate threat’: Police seek urgent order to halt March and March gatherings in KZN - News24
The minister of police and the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner have applied for an urgent interdict to halt any March and March protests, convoys or processions, as well as intimidation, incitement or violence by members and leaders.
According to court papers, the applicants received intelligence about a planned action to burn down the refugee reception centre (RRC) in Che Guevara Road in Berea this week. They were also concerned about escalating violence in the wake of the death of a Ugandan on Thursday and retribution for that murder.
“Staff members are no longer occupying those premises (RRC) because of serious safety concerns arising from the daily threats... and I am informed that the building is unoccupied,” said Brigadier Thamsanqa Gama in the founding affidavit.
“This application concerns an immediate threat to life, to personal safety and public order in and around Durban as well as within the province of KwaZulu-Natal.”
He said this threat extended to residents, business owners, informal traders, employees, employers, as well as users of public services and public transport.
The respondents the police seek to interdict are March and March; its leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma; her husband and co-convener, Xolani Zuma; “well-known and influential member,” Mthokozisi Gumede (also known as Felemtwini); national office bearer, Nosibusiso Khambule; and apparent conveners, Lindani Xulu and Uyama Mthembu.
The other respondents listed are the eThekwini municipality, the head of eThekwini municipal police services, and the minister of home affairs.
Gama said March and March supporters had established a camp outside and opposite the RRC, a so-called base camp providing a “ready source of mobilisation into the CBD and surrounding areas”.
“Further, the emerging trend since last week appears to be a formation of smaller groups, which means that the danger can spread beyond the main gathering while that base camp also remains occupied,” said Gama.
He said the application was necessary as the preceding violence, intimidation and destruction played out despite calls for restraint by organisers, which demonstrated that they have not been able to control supporters.
March and March national spokesperson Sandile Dube described the court application as “orchestrated efforts by the government to silence the people’s voices barely days before the local government elections”.
Dube said the group would issue a more detailed statement soon.
The urgent application is expected to be heard on Friday.
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