The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Wednesday laid criminal charges of incitement to commit violence against the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL).

DA Gauteng leader, John Moodey, Makashule Gana, and Michele Clarke, laid the charges on Wednesday at Johannesburg central police station.

This comes after Tuesday night’s ANC Youth League rally in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, in support of President Jacob Zuma where various speakers threatened violence against those who march for his removal on Friday.

The DA initially planned to march to ANC headquarters Luthuli House in central Johannesburg on Friday to call for Zuma’s removal following his recent Cabinet reshuffle which saw Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas fired.

After consulting with the police, the DA on Tuesday amended the gathering point and the route for its “March for Change” from Luthuli House to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg to ensure the safety of protesters.

ANC Youth League executive member, Sifiso Mtsweni, said they would be waiting for the marchers with sjamboks and other weapons.

“We want to say to Mmusi Maimane, and his DA friends, we are waiting for you, on Friday, you will find the ANC Youth League with sjamboks, and all weapons available at our disposal,” Mtsweni said.

Congress of South African Students (Cosas) secretary-general, Khulekani Skhosana, went on to threaten that the ANCYL would burn the headquarters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) should the EFF MPs continue to disrespect Zuma in parliament.

Moodey said the DA would not be intimidated by this kind of war talk, but the rule of law must prevail and that incitement to commit violence must be investigated criminally.