Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dubula arrested during G20 protest

The South African Police Services (SAPS) Public Order Policing (POP) unit confirmed the arrest of Zandile Dubula, leader of the controversial Operation Dudula movement, during a protest outside the Nasrec Conference Centre on Saturday. Dubula was arrested alongside another member of her group as they attempted to draw attention to pressing social issues on the first day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which saw the convergence of over 40 global leaders.

Media reports indicated that tensions between Operation Dudula members escalated, resulting in a tense stand-off between the police and the protesters. Police had to fire tear gas at the disgruntled protesters, whose protest was to highlight the plight of the high numbers of unemployment and poverty among South Africans.

Operation Dudula cited the unemployment crisis, immigration issues, and corruption as key matters that the government should prioritise instead of hosting global events at this time.

Following the scuffle, the police on Saturday confirmed that they have since registered a case of public violence, assault of a police officer and contravention of a court order against Operation Dudula.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said the police response was due to members of Dubula’s group having attempted to forcefully march towards the venue and block Baragwanth and Nasrec Road, a route used by foreign Heads of State and dignitaries to access the G20 leaders summit.

“Following several warnings by Public Order Police (POP) members, the group failed to adhere to instructions and a scuffle ensued where they sprayed police with pepper spray, threw objects and pushed around officers. One police officer was injured and taken to a nearby medical facility for medical assistance,” Mathe stated.

Mathe added that the police had to act decisively to restore law and order, saying: Police then used a push-back method using protective shields to control the crowd and redirect them back to the speaker's corner. Police confirm the arrest of two men aged 46 and 54 years of age.

Early this week, while addressing the media on the police state of readiness for the two-day gathering, NATJOINTS co-chaiperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said the structure has adopted a five-pillar approach to ensure the safety and security of local and international guests attending the two-day leaders' summit in Nasrec.

She said the five-pillar approach speaks to intelligence gathering, analysis and coordination; to ensure police detect, prevent and combat all forms of criminality timeously. Furthermore, the approach employs a proactive approach, which includes high visibility to police all hotspot areas to prevent and respond to any element of criminality.

"The implementation of the Combat approach in response to any violation of the law through the deployment of uniformed officers, including specialised units. Should the need arise.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is also on standby to exercise their secondary role of supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS)," she added. Mathe said as a result of this approach, the police have taken a no-nonsense approach to ensuring the safety and security of the local and international leaders gathered for the summit.

“The NATJOINTS thanks other groupings who protested at the four allocated speakers' corners situated near the venue today for doing so within the confines of the law.

“With this said, the NATJOINTS will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour to ensure that the G20 leaders' summit takes place in a safe, secure and peaceful environment,” Mathe added.