Note to Editors: Please find the attached soundbite here by Haniff-Hoosen
The Democratic Alliance condemns today’s violence and destruction that unfolded on the streets of Durban after a number of marches took place through the city led by political parties and civic organisations.
Those that led these marches must be held personally liable for the damage they have caused.
It is equally unacceptable that law enforcement agencies were again on the back foot in the face of unlawful behaviour and damage to property.
Authorities must urgently clarify if permission for large scale public gatherings was obtained by these groups and if not, why were they allowed to proceed in the manner that they did. Again, it appears that South Africa’s intelligence services are missing in action.
South Africans are allowed to express their concerns about immigration related issues lawfully, in line with the Constitution, in a way that is peaceful and free of violence, intimidation and destruction.
But those who demonstrate through violence and destruction must face the full might of the law. And the police must act against those who caused, inspired and led this violence today to bring them to criminal justice.
The DA calls on the SAPS and Metro to maintain law and order and bring those responsible for this violence to book.