Samwu protesters cross swords with the police

The SA Municipal Workers' Union has accused the police of trying to disrupt its march in Pietermaritzburg.

The accusation followed heated exchanges between the marchers and the police outside the city hall.

"The police that were doing this were on a warpath and they are not part of Cosatu, otherwise they would not behave like this," said the union's provincial chairman, John Dlamini.

The march through the city centre was marked by the overturning of dustbins and trashing of pavements.

Police used water cannon on the marchers, prompting them to accuse white and Indian police officers of being heavy-handed on black marchers.

"These are not Popcru. Only Sapu members can do this. We condemn this conduct in the strongest possible light. You can't spray people when they are standing and waiting to hand over their memorandum," Dlamini said.

More than 70 police officers were deployed to monitor the march.

One person was arrested and taken to the Loop Street police station.

Police spokesman Colonel Jay Naicker defended the actions of the police.

He challenged the union to provide evidence of bad conduct.

"We believe that we are impartial in discharging our duties and anyone who feels otherwise should follow the channels in raising such matters," he said.

Msunduzi mayor Chris Ndlela accepted the memorandum and promised to deliver it to the SA Local Government Association.

He called for negotiations to end the standoff between the union and the association.