SAPS arrest 27 across province in connection with #KZNShutdown protests
Efforts are afoot to track and trace more suspects says provincial SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker.
POLICE in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested 27 suspects in connection with the #KZNShutdown protests that erupted across the province since Friday.
Various forms of protest action have taken place on major roads and highways allegedly by supporters of former president Jacob Zuma who was sentenced to 15 months in jail earlier this week.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker said police are on high alert and keeping a close eye amidst continued threats of widespread violence.
In Durban, protest action erupted again on Saturday, July 10 as protesters gathered on the M19 and Umgeni Road intersection the westbound carriageway.
Tyron Powell, spokesperson for Marshall Security said they attended to the scene.
“Protesters were stoning vehicles they also blocked the road with tyres and trees. Marshall Security together with members of Metro Law Enforcement were on scene. Metro officers were deployed into the affected areas with spades and rakes and cleared up the area within 10 minutes. The protestors then started throwing stones at police members. Police moved in to arrest some of the suspects involved with the stone throwing,” he said.
Related article: Police and NPA to prosecute those behind KZN protests
“A total of 27 suspects have been arrested since yesterday on various charges that include: public violence, business burglary, malicious damage to property, and contravention of the DMA lockdown regulations. This comes after an unconfirmed number of trucks were torched and looting of several businesses in the Mooi River CBD. Efforts are afoot to track and trace more suspects.
“At this stage, the N3 at Mooi River remains closed as police and local authorities have joined efforts to remove the torched trucks, debris and burning tyres that were used by protesters to barricade several roads. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes or approach with caution,” he said.
Naicker said the SAPS had issued a stern warning to those calling for more violence to refrain from acts of incitement.
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