Thousands expected at 'peace march' in Durban

"We are expecting about 10 000 people to join the march this morning.  There are 1 000 marshals, including 200 of our members," Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association Ethekwini chairperson Zamindlela Mbele said at the Curries Fountain stadium, from where the march would start.

 

Several police cars, including a Nyala, were parked outside the stadium. Marshals in orange bibs were gathered on the sports field under an overcast sky. The marshals had been split into two groups, one to lead the march and the other to follow with the crowd. Some of them sat on the stands singing as they waited.

 

Religious and political leaders were expected to take the marchers through the city centre to City Hall. It was scheduled to get underway at 10:00.

 

Police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said on Wednesday a strong contingent of officers would monitor proceedings.

 

The xenophobic violence spread to Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday. Five people, including a 14-year-old boy, have been killed in the Durban area during violence that began last week.