The Durban High Court has ruled that the March and March movement may continue with its planned demonstrations, but only under strict conditions imposed by the court.
The ruling follows an urgent application brought by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi seeking restrictions on the movement’s protest activities across eThekwini.
The court has restricted demonstrations for four days, with March and March permitted to resume marching from 6 November between 10am and 3pm.
The court has also imposed several conditions on the demonstrations. Participants are prohibited from carrying sticks or other objects that could be used as weapons, must not conceal their faces and are required to follow designated marching routes.
The restrictions are aimed at ensuring that demonstrations take place within the parameters set by the court.
The legal battle follows weeks of protests in Durban, some of which were accompanied by road blockades, property damage and clashes.
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and other respondents opposed the police application, arguing that the movement has a constitutional right to demonstrate.
The ruling sets out the conditions under which the movement may exercise that right while the restrictions remain in force.
