South Africa: Protests possible in Pietermaritzburg through Sept. 10 /update 1

Event

Protests remain possible through Sept. 10, in the vicinity of the Pietermaritzburg High Court in Pietermaritzburg (PMB), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, the venue for former President Jacob Zuma’s rescheduled corruption trial. The trial was initially scheduled for Aug. 10, however, it was postponed to Sept. 9-10 due to Zuma’s alleged health condition. Gatherings are therefore possible prior to the trial to denounce the postponement but are most likely to occur in the days leading up to the trial’s resumption Sept 9.

Any protest will almost certainly prompt a heightened security presence and localized ground transport disruptions. On Sept. 9-10, officials will almost certainly close roads near the court building and establish enhanced screening measures during the hearings. Supporters of Zuma may attempt to protest during the trial. Demonstrations could occur near the court building or near the Estcourt Correctional Center where Zuma has been incarcerated. Should protests occur there is a threat of confrontations between demonstrators and the police. The possibility of violence cannot be ruled out, especially if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore orders to disperse.

Context

The trial relates to a 1990s arms deal and is separate from a recent Constitutional Court decision to jail the former president for contempt of court. The incarceration of Zuma sparked violent unrest across portions of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces July 9-17 which left over 300 people dead. The previous trial session relating to the arms deal, which ended July 20, was held virtually. While the hearing was held online, officials deployed a heightened security presence at the Pietermaritzburg High Court in anticipation of protests; none materialized. The forthcoming trial will be held in court and Zuma will be present, increasing the likelihood of disruptive protests.

Advice

As a precaution, avoid all demonstrations that may materialize. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Use alternative routes to avoid rally venues; allow additional time to reach destinations. Consider avoiding the vicinity of the Pietermaritzburg High Court during trial sessions. Exercise caution in Estcourt during trial periods. Heed instructions of security forces. Avoid all protests.