WATCH: EFF supporters gather for march in Phoenix against racism
Hundreds of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters have started arriving by bus in Phoenix, north of Durban, ahead of what the party is calling a march against racism towards Africans.
It follows the killing of at least 36 people in the area, in alleged racially motivated attacks last month.
There is a strong police presence at Gandhi Square, where those taking part are gathering.
READ: Steenhuisen wants SAHRC to stop EFF's Phoenix march
In order to maintain control of the area and immediate surroundings, Metro Police have closed off some entrances to the public venue.
As you enter from the permitted and manned entry points areas along the Phoenix highway, you are immediately meet with metro and SAPS vehicles which have heavily flanked both sides of the roads, including heavy vehicles such as Caspers.
There’s a strong police presence ahead of a planned #EFFinPhoenix march following the recent #PhoenixMassacre @SteveBhengu #unrest pic.twitter.com/AKqGRmqCPW
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) August 5, 2021
A helicopter also conducted wan an aerial sweep of the area, while on the ground, authorities deployed a number of armed police officers.
The march is expected to make its way to the Phoenix Police Station, where a memorandum will be read out and handover containing a number of demands.
READ: SAHRC won't stop EFF march in Phoenix
Supporters were addressed by the EFF leadership, who have given a number of rules for the march such as that there should be no violence, those caught out of line must be orderly reprimanded and that marshals must be on top of the day's events at all times.
LISTEN: Newswatch’s Steve Bhengu filed this report.KZN EFF’s Vusi Khoza says today’s march is to take a stand against racism against Africans which he says has been displayed by Indians in Phoenix during the recent #looting #PhoenixMassacre #EFFinPhoenix @SteveBhengu pic.twitter.com/o1BSfT2TPN
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) August 5, 2021
