Protest actions started at about 3a.m with private security companies and community forums reporting protesters gathering near Connaught Bridge in Alpine and Umgeni roads and groups of people in Redcliffe, Verulam, north of Durban.
Police officers and Metro police responded swiftly and the protesters were dispersed while clean up operations began immediately.
Following reports of a “national shutdown” planned for today, law enforcement agencies have been on high alert to avoid scenes similar to those in July when civil unrest claimed over 300 lives.
According to a classified crime intelligence report for the eThekwini outer north cluster, the impact and probability of planned protest action as a level 4 risk is considered major. The report followed a widely circulated message and poster “confirming” information about possible violence and the targeting of specific location around the city and a planned march in the Durban CBD.
The poster called for the removal of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the release of former president Jacob Zuma and issues related to Covid-19 vaccines. The message was believed to have initially been distributed on Telegram in a group called “Protest Action South Africa”, which has almost 14 000 members. The group description is: “Information of protest action and looting in South Africa. An informed community is a vigilant community”.
Members of the the ANC, ANC Youth League, uMkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association, SACP and the SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) have been identified as forming part of the planned march from Botha’s Park in Durban to the ANC provincial offices at 9am on Monday.
Specific stores, roads and areas in Phoenix, Tongaat, Durban North and Verulam were identified in the report as being at risk.
People are urged to remain calm and security has been beefed up at key points.
Sources: MSN
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