I’m surprised there weren’t any rubber bullets fired or perhaps some ‘looting’ today in Johannesburg, as Helen Zille led a group protesting for ‘real jobs.’ Instead there were ‘flying bricks,’ stun grenades and petrol bombs. Not bad..

This from News24:

Brick-carrying protesters wearing ANC T-shirts stormed the DA in central Johannesburg on Wednesday as its leader Helen Zille was about to address marchers.

The Democratic Alliance’s march for “real jobs” stopped on the corner of Rissik and Marshall streets after the police told them it was too dangerous to move on to Beyers Naude Square.

As Zille was about to start speaking, a group of protesters in ANC attire came running down Rissik Street.

Zille shouted, “stay calm!”, but protesters threw bricks at DA members who turned around and started running back to the Westgate transport hub.

Police then blocked off roads in the city with nyalas, with groups of singing ANC supporters scattered all over the CBD.

Police were ready to fire off a salvo of rubber bullets, and a water cannon was wheeled out into the street.

Is is surprising that the ANC members had bricks, because they were politely asked not to carry any. To that end, the ANC spokesperson, Jackson Mthembu told SAfm that they were told not to and went further to explain that “this is not a brick-throwing event.” Hmm… interesting. So you’re saying that there are brick-throwing events, sometimes? Just not today?

But let’s chat about the petrol bombs now:

A Sapa reporter at the scene said at least four petrol bombs were thrown at police near the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.

Around 100 officers descended on the street to try and restore calm.

Police fired three stun grenades at a group of ANC supporters seen running towards the marchers.

[more here]

What a wonderful day out for everyone!

Until next time..

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