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Yesterday saw violent clashes between protestors from members of Black First Land First (BLF) and the ANC at the ANC headquarters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg CBD.
It must be stated up front that there was no permission granted by the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) in the City of Johannesburg for the gathering / protest actions which took place.
As the crowds of supporters from each organisation grew, some protestors became violent.
It is unacceptable that these protesters appeared to have been geared up for violence from the start as weapons were seen to be used.
I was particularly shocked to see photos believed to be that of the ANC Branch Secretary in the Inner City, Thabiso Setona, assaulting an elderly woman during the protest. Residents identified him and had contacted me with information. As such we will be submitting the information to the South African Police Service for further investigation.
No matter what the reason for a protest might be, protestors must never turn into thugs and use means of violence and destruction to support their cause.
For more details please contact:
Luyanda Longwe
Stakeholder Manager: Office of the MMC for Public Safety
luyandalo@joburg.org.za
061 4960 536