Heavy police presence as undocumented immigrants protest marches through Pinetown
Police maintained a strong presence as protesters marched through Pinetown calling for the removal of undocumented immigrants. While the demonstration briefly caused concern at a Hill Street business, authorities said the march concluded without any reported incidents of violence or criminality.
HEAVY police presence was maintained as crowds gathered in Pinetown on Thursday (July 16) for a protest calling for the removal of undocumented immigrants.
A large group of marchers, accompanied by motorbike delivery drivers, assembled at an open field along Richmond Road before proceeding through Pinetown while chanting songs.
The march was briefly disrupted when some protesters banged on the doors of a shop on Hill Street, calling for a person by name to come outside.
Also read: Watch: March and March protest in Pinetown
One shopper, who was inside the store at the time, said staff immediately closed the doors and instructed customers to remain inside for their safety.
“We were told to stay inside for our safety. We were so scared, but the marchers moved on after a few minutes,” said the shopper.
The march was led by March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and anti-illegal immigration activist Nkosiikhona Phakela’mthakathi Ndabandaba.
Pinetown SAPS communications officer Captain Bongumusa Manqele said the march proceeded peacefully and that no incidents of violence or criminality were reported.
“The South African Police Service, Pinetown members, Public Order Policing (POP), and Metro Police were deployed to monitor the march, ensure the safety of all participants and members of the public, facilitate the peaceful procession, and maintain public order throughout the event,” she said.
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