Durban:Public Order Police (POP) officers in KwaZulu-Natal were compelled to use minimal proportional force to disperse a group of marchers on Che Guevara Road in Umbilo on Tuesday afternoon.

According to South African Police Service, the group, many of whom were armed with dangerous weapons like sticks and had concealed their faces with masks and other items, left their usual gazebos opposite the Home Affairs offices in Umbilo and began their march shortly after 3 PM. The officers halted the marchers, reminding them of an interim court order that prohibited marches after 3 PM and banned the carrying of dangerous weapons and wearing masks or other items to conceal identities during marches. Lacking marshals as required by law, the marchers turned violent and began throwing stones at the police during these discussions.

To manage the unrest and restore order, the police employed minimal force, utilizing stun grenades and rubber bullets. The situation on the ground is still being managed by the police, and no injuries have been reported.

In the wake of the incident, police have initiated an investigation into the possible violation of the interim court order and the assault on police officers.