South Africa: Activists plan to protest in Gauteng Province ahead of the release of a high-profile prisoner Nov. 30 /update 1

Event

Activists, including those linked to the African National Congress (ANC) and allied with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), plan to protest in Pretoria Nov. 30 ahead of the release on parole of high-profile murderer Janusz Walus. The demonstration will proceed from Burgers Park to the Kgosi Mapuru Correctional Centre. Further protests are likely through Dec. 1 near the Kgosi Mapuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria, where Walus will be released, or the Constitutional Court complex in Johannesburg.

Police will likely deploy to monitor any demonstrations that occur. Clashes between protesters and the police are possible if activists are overly disruptive. Protests and related security measures could lead to localized transport disruptions.

Context

Walus was found guilty of murdering civil-rights advocate and then-leader of the SACP Chris Hani in 1993. He had previously been denied bail in 2020, before Chief Justice Raymond Zondo reversed the decision Nov. 21. The SACP and activists linked to Chris Hani's surviving relatives have picketed near the Constitutional Court since the verdict.

Advice

Avoid any protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the areas at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel in affected areas.