By Marcus Moloko
Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula was pepper-sprayed, and several protesters were arrested by police about a kilometre from the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Saturday.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, together with members of anti-illegal immigrant group Operation Dudula, were met by a strong police presence as they picketed outside the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Protesters from both the MK party and Operation Dudula demanded to be allowed to demonstrate within 100 metres of the venue, citing the “immigration crisis”, poor service delivery and high unemployment as their key grievances.
Police responded with tear gas and pepper spray when demonstrators moved away from the designated protest area while still demanding to speak with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
An unhappy Dabula said the show of force from police towards South Africans was concerning.
“The sad thing is that the force that they are showing to us as South Africans, they can’t show it to criminals. That’s why we have the Madlanga Commission. When they are supposed to do the right thing to the criminals, they don’t do it.” Dabula said.
She confirmed that arrests had been made, while insisting the picket had been peaceful.
The protestors said that South Africa should prioritise addressing domestic issues before global ones.
Police have confirmed the arrest of two men aged 46 and 54 during the clash between police and members of Operation Dudula.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a case of public violence, assault of a police officer, and contravention of a court order was registered against the group.
She said Operation Dudula members attempted to forcefully march towards the summit venue and block Baragwanath and Nasrec Roads, critical routes used by foreign heads of state.
Despite repeated warnings from Public Order Policing, Mathe said the demonstrators refused to comply.
A scuffle broke and demonstrators sprayed police with pepper spray, hurled objects, and shoved officers.
One police officer sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment, she said.
Mathe said officers acted within the law to restore order.
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