The March and March Movement's supporters were back on the streets of Durban's CBD on MTuesday
Image: Sipho Jack
Supporters of the March and March movement, together with members of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party, converged at Durban's GuGu Dlamini Park to commence a protest on Tuesday morning.
The gathering was regarded by some as a direct reaction to the skirmishes that erupted in the Durban CBD on Monday, apparently between members of March and March and foreign nationals, amid the movement's cleanup operation.
Some described Monday's scenes, which played out on Bertha Mkhize Street, as chaotic. It is believed that a dispute turned violent, and a March and March supporter was allegedly injured.
The movement's members have been engaged in a series of clean-up activities aimed at restoring the inner city over the past week.
The clean-up efforts have drawn both support and criticism.
Police responded promptly to Monday's volatile situation, implementing effective crowd control measures that restored order.
A heavy police presence was also noticeable at GuGu Dlamini Park on Tuesday, as tensions remained palpable with more March and March supporters arriving.
Community leader Nokuthula Ngobese expressed her frustration over what she characterised as "police scare tactics." She questioned why the police had not provided the movement's members with the necessary protection during the cleanup operation.
"Security companies and foreigners were attacking us for no reason, and the police were not there,” Ngobese said.
Lindelani Xulu, March and March's chairperson, said more members were expected before their procession headed to Bertha Mkhize Street.
DAILY NEWS