Tensions flared on the streets of Durban as the March and March movement continued its campaign demanding government action against undocumented foreign nationals operating businesses in South Africa, with organizers leveling serious accusations against local police.
The group, which recently held demonstrations in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng, has been calling on the government to prioritize South Africans and take immediate action against undocumented foreign nationals running businesses in the country.
During the Durban march, which was intended to move from King Dinuzulu Park to the Point area in South Beach, the demonstration took an unexpected turn. Organizers received a tip-off regarding suspicious activity inside a building in the area.
As marchers gathered outside the building, a spokesperson for March and March made serious allegations against law enforcement.
“We have evidence that there are police who are working with the criminals in this building,” the spokesperson said. “We have police that are doing business with this criminal and we have police that know that there are drugs in this building, but they are not doing anything.”
The organizer noted that police have previously called on communities to report criminal activity. “We are cooperating with the police. We are telling them to search this building because we have evidence that involve police in this building,” he said, adding, “but we don’t want to name them. We want them to cleanse themselves.”
At the time of the demonstration, marchers were observed searching vehicles and attempting to make their way inside buildings in Durban, with chaotic scenes unfolding on the streets.