Four arrested for Clicks protest in Western Cape
Police in the Western Cape arrested four people on Monday for the protest action at health and beauty retailer Clicks.
The group protested at the Van Der Stel Square in George after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called for its members to shut down Clicks branches nationwide.
Clicks came under fire last week for labelling black people’s hair as “dry, damaged, frizzy and dull” and white people’s hair as “normal” in an ad campaign.
Western Cape police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie says the four were held for flouting lockdown regulations.
“Public Order Police based in George arrested four men between the ages 28-and-42 years old in connection with the Contravention of the Disaster Management Act, by means of an Illegal gathering as well as hindering the police in the execution of their duties earlier today at Clicks, Van Der Stel Square George.”
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High Court dismisses Clicks application to stop EFF protests
The court dismissed the application with costs. EFF spokesperson Vuyani Pambo says the ruling has vindicated the decision by the party to protest at the health and beauty retailers' 800 stores. "Clicks made an irrational and silly attempt to prevent the EFF from practising its constitutional right to protest.
The four men, aged 28 to 42, are expected to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court soon.
“The four is currently in detention and is scheduled as soon as they are being charged for the mentioned offences,” Pojie adds.
Several Clicks stores were barricaded by EFF members on Monday, including Sandton City and Mall of Africa in Gauteng.
The party's leaders have vowed to continue with protest action until the pharmeacital giant gives in to calls for some of management to step down.
