Cops break up IFP protest

2008-06-23 10:52

Durban - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)'s protest at the weekend had infringed on the Constitution and the democratic principles that governed SA, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Hamilton Ngidi said on Monday.

On Saturday, the party embarked on a protest in Durban central and in Umlazi against the street renaming process and the removal of a Grade 12 history book it said destroyed the legacy of its leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Police said protesters had been armed with axes, knobkerries and weapons and had broken shop windows, damaged cars and other property during their march.

Police had to use rubber bullets to disperse the huge crowd.

Ngidi said the protest was in contrast to the country's ideology of a peaceful protest and that comments made by the party's Albert Mncwango could influence disorderly behaviour in future.

Mncwango had reportedly told media the party's protest action was at its second stage and that a third stage was yet to come.

"Judging from what transpired during the march in regards to the unruly behaviour and defiance of the rule of the law, an inference could be drawn that such a statement could lead to disorderly behaviour in the future," Ngidi said.

"We will always frown upon statements inciting unruly behaviour and call upon leaders to desist making such statements. The South African Police Service is always prepared to maintain law and order at all costs," he said.

Ngidi said the investigation into the incident would be finalised and forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority.

- SAPA