Tension mounts at #OccupyLuthuliHouse protest
Tension is mounting in the Johannesburg CBD where protesters from the #OccupyLuthuliHouse campaign marched to the ANC headquarters, Luthuli House.
Members of the police have formed a human barrier between protesters and ANC supporters, who are blocking them from entering the ruling party's offices.
#OccupyLuthuliHouse Police standing between the groups - trying to keep them apart. Some insults flying around.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) September 5, 2016
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#OccupyLuthuliHouse Insults being shouted by ANCYL members and supporters,calling others agents.STM pic.twitter.com/TLBxdo7a0Q
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) September 5, 2016
Members from the ANCYL as well as the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKVMA) say they will protect Luthuli House, voicing their unhappiness about protesters calling for President Jacob Zuma to resign.
They say there are internal processes that are in place and a march is not the way to voice their demands.
ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe has received the campaign's memorandum calling for the removal of President Zuma as well as the ANC's top leaders following a loss in support at the polls.
Mantashe called for calm among the ANC supporters.
"Comrades, don't do something that will give them publicity. You've defended the organisation. You have defended Luthuli House. Don't give hooligans free airtime," he said.
WATCH #OccupyLuthuliHouse Media being pushed around and sworn at by MK.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) September 5, 2016
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This supporter says President Zuma must go.
#OccupyLuthuliHouse Protesters very unhappy - arguments between MK, media and protesters.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) September 5, 2016
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#OccupyLuthuliHouse Pro Zuma group now given placards to show their support.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) September 5, 2016
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Reporting by Samkele Maseko and Maryke Vermaak