Malema vigil gets OK
2012-09-25 19:35
Johannesburg - The organisers of a night vigil for expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema were granted permission to gather at a Polokwane hall on Tuesday evening.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the meeting would be held at Nirvana Hall in Polokwane, but said it was not clear what time the vigil would get underway.
Any group would have to seek permission from authorities to hold a night vigil, he said earlier.
Limpopo African National Congress Youth League spokesperson Klaas Mabunda said in a statement that the league had been granted permission by the Polokwane municipality.
"All members of the society must not be intimidated. The prayer service has been convened legally and it's continuing," he said.
Senior City Press journalist Xolani Mbanjwa tweeted that taxis filled with youngsters and thumping loud music arrived for the vigil.
"An ambulance, SAPS, METRO POLICE all lying in wait for whatever eventuality. Over 100 people now, increasing fast," another tweet said.
Beeld's Marietie Louw-Carstens tweeted that the young supporters were singing the controversial shoot the boer song.
Accoding to other tweets, they have changed the lyrics to shoot Zuma.
Mulaudzi said security would be tight around the court and in Seshego, Malema's home town.
The SA Police Service would watch and patrol the area in and around the court, the city centre and identified areas in Seshego, Mulaudzi said.
Streets around the court would be closed to traffic from 06:00 on Wednesday.
Mulaudzi advised motorists to avoid the area around the court for the whole day.
Only a limited number of people would be allowed into the courtroom, he said.
"Tight control will be enforced by members of the private security company at the court, as well as members of the SAPS.
"No dangerous weapons, such as firearms, knives, pangas or knobkerries will be allowed onto the court premises as well as surrounding areas," Mulaudzi said.
- SAPA
