Durban calm after protests – metro police
6 June 2016
Durban – eThekwini Metro Police spokesperson Superintendent Sbonelo Mchunu confirmed that the city was finally calm after violent protests shut down major roads on Monday.
"For the moment, things are calm. Law enforcement officials are still monitoring the situation. We are still on guard. We have called in all our resources. Law enforcement will maintain calm. We do not expect any delays for motorists or commuters this afternoon."
City spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa said Metro Police, Disaster Management and Operation Sukuma Sakhe/Rapid Response officials were gathering information from protesting residents.
"City law enforcement is also on site to reroute traffic and to ensure the safety of motorists and residents."
The eThekwini Metro Police had earlier been deployed to several hotspots around the city to disperse crowds of people who stoned cars and barricaded roads. Protesters had blockaded roads with rocks and burning tyres.
Mchunu earlier said several groups of people had "made serious attempts" to close the N2, the Umgeni Connaught Interchange and the M19.
Man shot in stomach
"We think that the people are being incited by individuals who were not nominated as councillors for their respective political parties. We are dealing with them," Mchunu said at the time.
Several vehicles at a panel beater on North Coast Road, near Sea Cow Lake in Durban, were also burnt during violent protests.
A man in his thirties was also in a serious condition after he was shot in the stomach.
Marshall Security medics and Netcare 911 paramedics earlier treated him at the roadside, while police protected them. Officers used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
The man was later taken to hospital. The reason for the shooting was still unclear. Netcare 911 spokesperson Athlenda Mathe told News24 that the man has since been stabilised.
The protesters stationed themselves on North Coast Road, however, after their leaders held lengthy meetings with police, they decided to return to their homes.
This article fist appeared on News24, see here.
