DA Reports EFF To SAPS Over Clicks Protests
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will open a case against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) after vandalism at some Clicks stores in the wake of the pharmacy chain’s online racist advert.
The Interim DA leader John Steenhuisen told eNCA that the party’s shadow minister of police Andrew Whitfield has laid charges with the South African Police Service of incitement to violence and damage of public property.
He also provided a reason why the DA had taken such a decision saying, “In fact, anyone is entitled to exercise the right to protest in South Africa but this must be done within the bounds of the law and using petrol bombs, looting, intimidation of stuff and the damaging of property is not included in those rights, and therefore the rule of law must prevail. Law and order must prevail and it is only right that I believe action is taken against these individuals just as the police took action against peaceful protesters outside parliament and various other places around the country.”
A group of people attempted to petrol–bomb a Clicks store in Witbank early on Monday.
The arson attempt on the Saveways Clicks store in Witbank came just as the pharmaceutical chain prepared to face off with the EFF, who have called on Clicks to shut down for a week after they published an offensive advert which depicted black women’s hair as “damaged”.
Meanwhile, Two Clicks employees have been suspended following the controversy surrounding a hair advert, which depicted black women’s hair as dry and damaged, while white women’s hair was labelled as normal and fine.
Clicks Group CEO, Vikesh Ramsunder says what happened is disappointing and transformation is a priority for the organisation.
EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu says no court order is going to stop the Economic Freedom Fighters from protesting against racism.
Shivambu was speaking in Sandton City where the party is protesting outside a Clicks store.
On Monday morning, lawyers representing the retailer warned the EFF against inciting violence, saying it will be business as usual.