Johannesburg - AfriForum plans to approach the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday to seek permission to hold a march against farm murders.
Its legal representative Willie Spies said the Tshwane municipality initially gave permission for a march, but later changed its mind.
AfriForum deputy CEO Ernst Roets contacted police ministry spokesman Zweli Mnisi to arrange that a police representative accept a petition from marchers on Saturday.
“However, in the course of the conversation Mnisi indicated to Roets that he planned to put a stop to the planned march,” AfriForum said in a statement on Wednesday.
Spies said section 17 of the Constitution guaranteed, as a basic human right, the right of all citizens to hold demonstrations and marches and to present petitions.
“The metro police's sudden refusal to allow the event therefore comes as a surprise,” he said.
The march is part of a campaign by AfriForum and Solidarity against farm attacks and to promote rural safety.
Sapa