Police detain two men as Dudula protest erupts near Nasrec Expo Centre, leaving officer injured. Picture Credits: IOL
By Aisha Zardad
Johannesburg – Two men were arrested after a protest by Operation Dudula near the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg turned violent on Saturday, the first day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Police said a 46-year-old and a 54-year-old were taken into custody after a scuffle in which a police officer was injured and required treatment at a nearby medical facility.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the SAPS Public Order Policing (POP) unit has opened a case of public violence, assault of a police officer, and contravention of a court order against the group.
“The protest involved Dudula members attempting to forcefully march toward the venue and block Baragwanath and Nasrec Road, which are used by foreign heads of state and dignitaries to access the summit,” Mathe said.
Despite multiple warnings, the protesters did not comply, spraying officers with pepper spray, throwing objects, and pushing police. Officers responded with push-back tactics using protective shields to control and redirect the crowd to designated speaker corners.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) thanked other protest groups, including the Civil Servants Pension Redress Movement (CSPRM) and “No More Farm Murders,” for demonstrating within the law.
Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula was reportedly affected by tear gas and pepper spray during the clashes. She criticised police for what she described as excessive force against South African protesters and accused some officers of corruption.
The protests raised national attention on issues such as illegal immigration, farm attacks, and civil servant pensions.
Mathe reiterated that police will continue to enforce the law “without fear or favour” to ensure the G20 Summit proceeds safely.
