Police use rubber rounds and stun grenades to disperse March and March protesters in Durban.
Police officers used rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse a group of violent marchers in Umbilo, Durban, on Tuesday afternoon after March and March protesters allegedly threw stones at police.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda, the group embarked on a march along Che Guevara Road shortly after 3pm, moving away from the gazebos where they camp opposite the Home Affairs offices in Umbilo.
Netshiunda said most of the marchers were carrying dangerous weapons, including sticks, while some concealed their faces using masks and other items.
Public Order Police officers stopped the marchers and reminded them of an interim court order prohibiting marches after 3pm, the carrying of dangerous weapons and the concealment of faces during demonstrations.
However, police said the situation escalated during discussions with the group, which allegedly became violent and started throwing stones at officers.
The marchers also allegedly did not have marshals controlling the procession, as required by law.
Police launch investigation
Police said they resorted to minimum proportional force, including stun grenades and rubber bullets, to manage the crowd and restore public order.
“No injuries were reported to the police,” the provincial police spokesperson said.
Police said officers were continuing to manage the situation on the ground.
An investigation has been launched into possible contraventions of the interim court order and the alleged assault of police officers.