Sihle Mavuso
Leaders of an anti-illegal immigration protest march held in Durban on Wednesday claimed “victory” after allegedly “nabbing five drug dealers” in a block of flats in the notorious Point area on Durban’s South Beach.
The march was led by radio personality and activist Ngizwe Mchunu, influencer and social activist Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, radio presenter and event organiser Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma of the March and March Movement, Xolani Khumalo of Sizokuthola fame, and the Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO).
It started at King Dinuzulu Park (formerly Botha Park), moved through the Durban city centre via Anton Lembede Street (West Street), and then proceeded along Mahatma Gandhi Road (Point Road) to the South Beach.
Ndabandaba later instructed marchers to gather outside the Point Parkade on Mahatma Gandhi Road, saying they had received information that the flats had allegedly been overrun by drug dealers, believed to be from Nigeria.
“We won’t go inside — only the police, Ngizwe, Xolani and other leaders will enter to look for drugs. We will not leave until the drugs are found,” Ndabandaba told protesters, urging them to maintain maximum discipline.
After nearly an hour of searching the building, Khumalo and police emerged with a man they claimed to be a Nigerian national.
He was allegedly found with drugs in his flat and reportedly indicated that more could be found at the Rond Vista block of flats across the road.
He was taken there to point out the location, and after about an hour, was brought back to the original flat.
The raid lasted nearly two hours, with protesters guarding the building outside.
The claim that the building is a drug den was supported by Ngobese-Zuma, who said they had received information from residents that it was one of several such sites, prompting them to remain until police conducted a raid.
“Indeed, we have been proven right, as you have seen that one suspect has been nabbed and police are looking for others. What is sad is that this is not the only building used for such activities. These buildings are also used for human trafficking and prostitution, and we have been informed that some police officers are in their pockets, which is why they are not acting,” she alleged.
Photo: Sihle Mavuso/ Inside Politics
After the raid, protesters marched in an orderly manner to Gugu Dlamini Park near the Workshop Mall, where they were addressed by Mchunu, Khumalo and Ndabandaba.
It was there that Mchunu claimed they had nabbed five drug dealers.
“We even found drugs on the table and other illegal substances in one flat; that’s how bad the situation was in the complex,” Mchunu told protesters, also taking a swipe at Julius Malema and the EFF, alleging they protect illegal immigrants in the country.
Khumalo said the battle ahead would be long and would require bravery, adding that he expected a larger turnout at future marches.
Ndabandaba said this marked the beginning of a prolonged campaign to fight drug dealers and illegal immigrants in the country.
Photo: Sihle Mavuso/ Inside Politics
INSIDE POLITICS
