KZN Premier defends call for army to help quell violent protests
Ntuli defended his decision to call for deployment of the army to quell violent protests in Durban.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has defended his call for the army to intervene in Durban's violent protests, despite criticism from fellow IFP member and deputy mayoral candidate Sizwe Sikhakhane. Sikhakhane accused Ntuli of acting wrongly to deploy the army against the province's residents. Sikhakhane was present at Durban Magistrate’s Court to support three March and March activists charged with offenses from the recent unrest.
At an IFP gathering in Nkandla, Ntuli clarified that the army was brought in to assist the police, who were overwhelmed by the protestors. The government, according to Ntuli, stands behind people's peaceful protests against illegal immigration, yet firmly rejects property destruction, asserting it only pushes the province backward.
Ntuli acknowledged that some critics lack understanding of the plans to prevent property destruction, which had started spreading beyond Durban, with instances of tyre burning already noted in Pietermaritzburg. He emphasized that KwaZulu-Natal must be safeguarded, stating, "We will protect KwaZulu-Natal."
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