The Provincial Commissioner of Police in KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended members of the security forces in KwaZulu-Natal for the manner in which they conducted themselves during today’s march in Durban. “I am happy with the overall operation as police were able to demonstrate that we have the capacity to police an event such as this and ensure that those volatile areas are also policed. We are appealing again to our communities, locals and foreign, to please heed the calls made by our leaders and to desist from illegal activities,” she said.
The march organised by Provincial Government was aimed at condemning the recent violence directed against foreigners. Approximately 10 000 members of the community as well as political, religious and civic leaders marched from the Curries Fountain Stadium to the Durban City Hall. There was a heavy presence of armed police officials in uniform to ensure that the high profile dignitaries and all who participated in the march were unharmed and that peace and order prevailed throughout. SAPS and Metro Police members were deployed at strategic points and while the proceedings were in progress at the City Hall. Unknown groups of individuals gathered outside the police barricade a kilometre away from the city hall and as they assembled they were swiftly dispersed by members of the Public Order Police (POP). There were no violent attacks or serious incidents reported throughout the march and even after participants of the march dispersed however nine arrests were affected by police for illegal gathering and other of offences.
Enquiries:
Colonel Jay Naicker
Cell: 082 556 7865
