Thousands of demonstrators make their way through the streets of Benoni during today's march. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.
Here is a selection of images from today’s protest over undocumented immigrants, illegal mining and other alleged criminal activities in Benoni.
Thousands of residents from Actonville, Wattville, Emandleni, the Benoni CBD and surrounding areas gathered outside the Actonville Hostel before marching through the area and concluding their protest at the Benoni Police Station.
The procession passes through a residential area en route to the Benoni CBD. Picture: Lebohang Pita.
At this police station, protest leaders raised concerns about undocumented immigrants, illegal mining, drug-related crime and alleged police corruption. Police management acknowledged the concerns, said they would be investigated, and encouraged residents to report criminal activity and corruption through official channels.
Police follow the procession as the crowd moves along the route. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.A demonstrator leads from the front as participants pause briefly before moving on. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.On the instruction of march leaders, protesters kneel briefly to allow the procession to regroup. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Protesters fill the roadway as the procession advances. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Protesters form a front line to help keep the crowd organised. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Organisers lead the crowd along the planned route. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.March leaders walk at the front of the procession, guiding participants. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Protesters chant slogans as they continue through the Benoni CBD. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Protesters chant slogans as they continue through the Benoni CBD. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Thousands of demonstrators make their way through the streets during today’s march. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.The crowd moves through the streets in Wattville in a peaceful procession. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Officers monitor the march while participants continue towards the Benoni CBD. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Police lead the procession as the crowd moves along the Benoni areas. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Police and private security monitor the crowd during the demonstration. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Organisers work to maintain order as the march moves through the area. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.Demonstrators sing and chant as the procession advances. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.A helicopter monitors the march from above. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.
The procession passed through residential, industrial and shopping areas, stopping at locations organisers identified as crime hotspots. The march remained largely peaceful, with police and private security monitoring the route throughout the day.
The demonstration draws attention from residents and passing motorists. Picture: Lebohang Pita.A protester chants during the march as demonstrators make their way through the streets of Benoni. Picture: Lebohang Pita.The march draws a large turnout from the local community. Picture: Lebohang Pita.A marcher raises his stick high during the March and March protest in Benoni. Picture: Lebohang Pita.The march continues under the watch of police and private security. Picture: Lebohang Pita.Demonstrators continue their march through the area. Picture: Lebohang Pita.The march continues under the watch of police and private security. Picture: Lebohang Pita.Protesters make their way through residential neighbourhoods. Picture: Lebohang Pita.Protesters chant and sing as they make their way through Wattville. Picture: Lebohang Pita.Participants carry sticks as they march. Picture: Lebohang Pita.The march continues along one of the main roads in Wattville. Picture: Lebohang Pita.Protesters pause at locations organisers identified as crime hotspots. Picture: Lebohang Pita.
Although the march has concluded, organisers said their campaign will continue beyond today’s demonstration. They said leadership will decide the next course of action should their concerns not be adequately addressed by the relevant authorities.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Fanie joined Boksburg Advertiser over 14 years ago – covering a wide range of issues under the sun. He rose up the ranks from mid-level to senior journalist & became a news-editor. He studied journalism at Damelin & went on to complete his Diploma in Media Practices course at BMH – focusing on print and online media. He loves acting as the eyes and ears of the public.
