South Africa: Anti-police brutality demonstration to occur in Pretoria June 12 /update 1

Event

The US Embassy in Pretoria issued a security alert ahead of a planned demonstration scheduled in front of the US embassy in Pretoria (Gauteng province) on Friday, June 12. Demonstrators are gathering to denounce police brutality and to show solidarity with ongoing civil unrest in the US. Participants are expected to congregate in front of the embassy at around 09:00 (local time).

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the demonstration.

Context

Demonstrations denouncing racial inequality have been held globally in recent weeks, sparked by the police-involved death of George Floyd. George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired, and one has since been charged with murder. Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters gathered on May 26 to denounce the death, and actions of the police officers. Clashes ensued between protesters and riot police; with demonstrators throwing bricks and projectiles at police and police property, and police responding with tear gas and rubber bullets as they attempted to disperse the crowds.

Advice

Individuals in Pretoria are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.