Kleinfontein: EFF says police are ‘protecting insecurities of white individuals’

The EFF in Gauteng has accused the police of intimidation by deploying a large police contingent at the party’s march to Kleinfontein in the east of Pretoria.

The party said it was marching to the town to demonstrate its disapproval of what it described as a racist “whites only enclave” in a democratic state.

The party also says the town discriminates against black people who are allegedly not allowed to work or live there.

The party’s Gauteng chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, said the large police presence was meant to protect white people.

‘Heavily armed tactical unit’

“The EFF in Gauteng condemns the over presence of state police and armed private security during our legally compliant and peaceful march to Kleinfontein.

“The South African Police Service deployed over 50 vehicles, including Nyalas, water tankers, razor wire and heavily armed tactical units, not to ensure public safety, but rather to appease the insecurities of white individuals who remain intolerant and hateful toward black people,” he said.

Dunga said the EFF has proved in the past it can have peaceful marches without any violence.

“This unnecessary show of force by the government is unwarranted, especially considering our proven track record of organising highly disciplined and peaceful public demonstrations,” he said.

‘State intimidation and harassment’

The party described the heavy police presence as harassment and intimidation.

“The very idea that there are fearless and unapologetic black people who dare to confront racism unsettles the establishment.

“This results in state intimidation, harassment and a calculated attempt to suppress legitimate protest. We warn the state that when white sensitivities are met with cowardice, they risk becoming law and order of the country,” he said.

Police are needed in other areas in Tshwane

Dunga said Saps could have instead used the resources to deal with violent crime in communities around Pretoria.

“It is also important to highlight the irony that, while police resources are being wasted on suppressing a peaceful march, the City of Tshwane remains riddled with violent crime.

“Our repeated calls for the state to act against this rampant crime have been ignored — yet any perceived disruption of white comfort is met with ridiculous urgency and overreaction,” he said.

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Whites-only towns

Kleinfontein and Orania in the Northern Cape are considered to be the only two places in the country where Afrikaner people live by themselves.

The leaders of these settlements have argued that their goal is to preserve Afrikaans identity and values.

However, they have denied any racist practices.

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