The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has urged motorists to expect significant traffic disruptions across Pretoria on June 30 as a planned march targeting undocumented foreign nationals proceeds through the city.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has warned motorists to brace for major traffic disruptions across the city on June 30 as a march calling for all undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country is set to take place.
The protest, targeting illegal foreign nationals, is expected to result in major traffic congestion in Pretoria during demonstrations planned for Tuesday, during which protesters will call for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
More than 20 anti-migrant organisations and civil society groups, including the controversial March and March movement, are behind the demonstrations.
Speaking at a media briefing in Midrand on Wednesday, organisers pledged the protests would be peaceful and would not result in violence, looting or loss of life.
However, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said her organisation would not take responsibility if violence broke out during the demonstrations, arguing that maintaining public order is the responsibility of the state.
Police have since increased security ahead of the planned protests and warned that any acts lawlessness will not be tolerated.
TMPD spokesperson Colonel Isaac Mahamba said March and March supporters will gather at Church Square in Pretoria Central by 10 a.m. and proceed to Sunnyside Police Station.
He said there will be a drop-off zone for buses only at WF Nkomo Street and Bosman Street, Church Square entrance.
“Thereafter, buses are expected to proceed to the Old Putco Depot where they will be parked in Marabastad.”
Mahamba said private vehicles will be parked in an open space at the corner of Kgosi Mampuru Street and Madiba Street.
He cautioned that no vehicles will be allowed at the gathering point at Church Square.
The route of the march and affected streets are as follows: From Church Square, marchers will join Paul Kruger Street and turn left onto Francis Baard Street, left to Lillian Ngoyi Street, right at Madiba Street, right onto Nelson Mandela Drive, left at Kotze Street, left onto Van Boeschoten Avenue, right to Robert Sobukwe Street, right at Leyds Street and proceed until they reach their destination.
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes such as Nana Sita Street, Visagie Street, Justice Mahomed Street, Jeff Masemola Street, Bosman Street, Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Struben Street, Bloed Street, Kgosi Mampuru Street and Eskia Mphahlele Drive.
Mahamba said marchers are expected to disperse from Sunnyside Police Station at 3 p.m.
He confirmed law enforcement officers will be on the ground to monitor the demonstrations.
“The Tshwane Metro Police Department and South African Police Service officers will be deployed to monitor the march and all affected streets,” he added.
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