The March and March Movement has firmly denied allegations that its members marched in contravention of a court order in Durban on 10 November 2026. In a media statement issued the same day, the organisation accused police of using excessive force against members of the public walking along Che Guevara Road.
National spokesperson Sandile Dube said the movement had noted a statement from the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal regarding the incident. After conducting its own investigation, speaking to members and visiting the scene, the movement “verily denies” that it breached any court order.
No march took place, movement insists
According to the statement, no march was organised by March and March in Durban that day. “There is no member of March and March that procured, organised and encouraged either members of March and March and or members of the Public,” it read. “Put differently no March took place in Durban today.”
The movement said approximately 20 members of the public – described as people “protecting the Country from being sold to foreign nationals” – attempted to walk towards the traffic lights. A large police contingent approached them and ordered them to return to their tents. While the civilians were walking back, a police officer identified only as Cele allegedly opened fire on them.
Civilians complied before shots were fired
The statement added that these civilians do not all stay at Moore Road. Most reside in different places or townships and occasionally arrive or leave in groups. Walking in groups, the movement stressed, does not give police the right to shoot at people at will. The laws of the country must be respected by all.
The incident occurred at approximately 14h15, not after 15h00 as allegedly claimed by police. Those present told the movement that officers first demanded the civilians leave their traditional weapons before they could walk. The civilians complied with the instruction. Despite this, Cele “continued to shoot from behind without any just reason,” according to the statement.
Right to walk and assemble affirmed
March and March pointed out that members of the public have right to walk and assemble without first applying through a Section 4 meeting. The movement said it will march in Durban soon and will advise the police of the date in advance. It “frowns at any accusation” that it held a march on 10 November 2026.
Upcoming marches and call for calm
The organisation is preparing for a march in Gqeberha on a date still to be announced. While its focus remains on activities taking place in Pretoria from 16 to 18 November 2026, it called on members to remain calm and to mobilise every South African residing in the Eastern Cape to join the planned Gqeberha march.
Commitment to the Constitution and equal policing
The movement reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the rule of law reigns supreme. It called on government to deploy police to areas with foreign nationals in Mayfair, Gqeberha and Point Road “the same way the 400 Police were deployed to Che Guevara.”