07 Aug 2020 | 12:41 PM UTC
South Africa: Tear gas deployed as protesters gather outside Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria August 7 /update 1
Security forces fire tear gas as protesters gather outside Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria on August 7; avoid the area and all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruptions in the near term
Event
Security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria on Friday, August 7. Protesters have gathered to demonstrate against police brutality and alleged state-sanctioned violence against citizens in Zimbabwe. The demonstration was initially called by a civil rights group to denounce the prosecution of journalists and activists in Zimbabwe. Gatherings remain restricted amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Localized disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration in the near term. A heightened security presence should also be expected and clashes cannot be ruled out.
Advice
Individuals in Pretoria are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
