Cape Town - Cape Town is bracing itself for an illegal march in the city on Friday, Western Cape police said.
“There will be heavy police deployments in the CBD as well as areas of congregation for the marchers,” police spokesman Tembinkosi Kinana said on Thursday.
“The deployment will comprise members of public order policing (POP), metro police, traffic officials, law enforcement and emergency officials.”
Police on horseback would monitor the protest as well.
“Members of railway police will also be on high alert and deployed in and around train station precincts,” said Kinana.
“The City of Cape Town's traffic officials with the SAPS Flying Squad will be deployed on the city's highways and byways.”
Kinana said air support would be deplored if required.
He warned that protesters breaking the law would be arrested.
On Wednesday, Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille said the city had filed for a court order to try to stop the protest.
“A golden triangle meeting, which incorporates the SA Police Service, did not approve their application due to credible evidence received under oath indicating that such a gathering could result in a serious disruption to vehicular and pedestrian traffic; injury to persons; and possible damage to property,” she said on Wednesday.
“Law enforcement authorities have also established there are serious threats of unprecedented levels of violence erupting in the event that the march takes place.”
De Lille said she did not want to see a repetition of disorder last month when protesters claiming to be part of a service delivery demonstration looted shops and vendors' stalls, and damaged property in central Cape Town.
- Sapa
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