By Anita Dangazele
- Mayor Princess Faku is set to lead a march this Friday to close the California tavern and remove a disputed leader in Buffalo City.
- Thousands of women plan to march following violent protests where cars and buildings were damaged during a disputed coronation ceremony.
Mayor Princess Faku will lead thousands of women in a march through Buffalo City this Friday. The group wants to close the California tavern in North End and remove a man who claims to be an Igbo king.
The march follows a violent protest in KuGompo City. Ten cars and several buildings were damaged after the protest broke out over a reported coronation ceremony.
Mayor Faku shared a poster about the march on Monday. She said the action will be peaceful and looks like the famous 1956 women’s protest to Pretoria.
The march will focus on closing the California tavern in Park Street. Women also want better policing and more work between officers and the community to stop crime.
Community policing leader Ludumo Salman said people have complained about the tavern for years. He said residents have been warned about drugs being sold from the building since 2014.
Salman asked what the police plan to do about the area. He linked the local drug network to a recent R19-million drug bust, but police have not said this is true.
Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana from the police did not give a comment on the planned march.
The Belgrave Hotel in Park Street where the tavern is based said it will close the California business. Management said they made the choice after hearing reports of drugs and stolen goods.
The hotel owners said they are now working with the police. They want to make the building safe and win back the trust of people living nearby.
Pictured above: Buffalo City mayor Princess Faku plans a women led march against crime and a disputed community leader in KuGompo City.
Image source: Buffalo City mayor Princess Faku/Facebook
