Police on Wednesday arrested four people suspected of throwing stones at passing motorists as protesters gathered in the Pretoria city centre ahead of the second day of court hearings of President Jacob Zuma’s attempt to interdict the Public Protector’s “state capture” report.
The report looked at allegations that the controversial Gupta family may have had undue influence on the appointment of ministers.
Tshwane Metropolitan Police Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said: “Earlier this morning incidents were reported of some people taking advantage of today’s marches to cause disturbance in Paul Kruger Street next to the Pretoria Zoo”.
Mahamba said: “Four people who were throwing stones at motorists have been arrested there. The police have the situation under control now. The Tshwane Metropolitan Police and the South African Police Service have deployed jointly around 1,000 members around the CBD”.
He said the police expect protest marches to be peaceful and the police will continue to monitor the situation, especially the streets affected by the marches.
The protests would march along WF Nkomo Street going west, passing Bosman Street, turning left into Sophie Du Bruyn Street, passing Pretorius Street and then turning left into Francis Baard Street.
Mahamba said Madiba Street between Bosman and Paul Kruger Street and Francis Baard Street between Bosman and Sophie du Bruyn Street will be closed.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the affected streets and use alternative routes, such as Nana Sita Street, Visagie Street, Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Boom Street,” said Mahamba.
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