Mbombela — Police used rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades to disperse members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) who blocked the N4 highway in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, following the sentencing of party leader Julius Malema.
The protest comes after Malema was sentenced to five years in prison in connection with the discharge of a firearm during a 2018 rally. He has since been released pending appeal.
READ: Malema sentenced to five years in prison in firearm discharge case
Protest action disrupts major route
According to reports, EFF supporters gathered along the N4, a key transport route in Mpumalanga, bringing traffic to a standstill. Protesters allegedly blocked sections of the road using debris and other obstructions, prompting a response from law enforcement.
Authorities moved in to clear the highway and restore traffic flow, deploying crowd-control measures after protesters refused to disperse.
Police response escalates
Police used rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades to break up the تجمع, as tensions escalated between demonstrators and law enforcement officers on the scene.
Officials stated that the measures were necessary to reopen the highway and ensure public safety, as the blockade affected commuters and transport operations along the busy route.
There have been no immediate confirmed reports of serious injuries, though the situation remained tense during the operation.
Political tensions following sentencing
The protest reflects rising tensions following the sentencing of Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters. Supporters have voiced anger over the ruling, with some describing it as unjust.
The party has previously indicated its intention to challenge the conviction and sentence through the courts.
What happens next
Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely amid concerns over potential further demonstrations. Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to avoid unlawful protest actions, particularly those that disrupt major transport routes.
Meanwhile, the legal process surrounding Malema’s conviction is set to continue, with an appeal anticipated in the coming period.
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