“We were provoked” – Mariannhill protesters

AN angry crowd from Luganda near Mariannhill blockaded roads and set alight Ward 13 councillor’s office, Mduduzi Gumede on Tuesday.

Hundreds of residents were protesting about service delivery and called the councillor to step down.

One of the residents who wished to remain anonymous said it was not their intention to destroy municipal property and claimed that the crowed was provoked by he police.

“This was a peaceful march, we woke up at 3am and blockaded the roads to get the official’s attention.

“We then waited for the councillor, Mduduzi Gumede and the Mayor’s advisor, Joe Nene to sign the memorandum of which they did.

The resident said the community wanted to have a meeting after the officials left but the police told them to disperse.

“They started shooting at us and we all ran away. Some residents then later came back and destroyed municipal property because of anger,” he said.

EThekwini Mayor, James Nxumalo condemned the vandalism of property as part of Gumede’s house and the community hall was also set alight.

Nxumalo has tasked law enforcement agencies to hunt down the perpetrators of this unlawful act so that they can face the full might of the law.

“We condemn this act of violence in the strongest term and urge residents to voice their issues without resorting to violence and destruction of property. Police will deal with the criminal matters,” he said.

Police have arrested six people in connection with the incident.

Nxumalo added that acts of vandalism taking place in our communities cannot be addressed by the Municipality and police alone.

“They require vigilance from us as community members and we must not look away when we know that our relatives, neighbours and friends are involved in damaging council property,” said Nxumalo.

The Municipality urges residents to continue reporting vandalism to the number 080 131 3013.