/ 16 September 2007

Zille almost in trouble … again

Cape Town mayor and Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille’s Sunday march against drugs almost landed her in trouble with the police again.

Zille, who was leading a community march targeting at drug lords in Atlantis outside Cape Town, was denied permission to march in a street whose residents were said to be mostly drug lords.

Police told the DA leader that by deviating from the agreed route she would be violating the marchers’ permit.

Zille, who then continued with the agreed route, said she was disappointed the police could not understand that their job was to protect those participating in a lawful and peaceful march.

”They seem not to understand that people have a constitutional right to participate in a peaceful march and that their job is not to interpret our people’s constitutional rights.”

Zille, who last week was arrested by police for participating in a legal march in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, said it was unfortunate that people were prevented from protesting against the use of drugs, which were destroying the community.

Sunday’s match ended peacefully with no arrests.

Zille was recently accused by Western Cape provincial minister of community safety Leonard Ramatlakane of promoting vigilantism through her participation in the community marches against drugs.

However, Zille has dismissed the accusations as a political smear campaign against her. — Sapa