Irate Mandeni protesters fire live rounds, loot shops

A Mandeni municipality vehicle was set alight, shops were looted and live rounds were fired as Mandeni descended into chaos on Thursday afternoon, reports North Coast Courier.

What began as a peaceful protest spiraled out of control when the 3,000-strong crowd did not have their demands met.

They were demanding the immediate removal of Mandeni mayor Siphesihle Zulu.

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The municipal vehicle that was set alight at Sibusisiwe Community Hall in Mandeni.

The marchers closed the P459 main road with burning tyres and trees earlier on Thursday morning before making their way to the municipal office, where they were addressed by ANC NEC member Bheki Ntuli.

After receiving the memorandum, Ntuli said the ANC would not be able give answers or take action immediately, as the allegations must first be investigated.

“These are very serious allegations and must be handled with care. The ANC will not hesitate to take action should any of these allegations prove true,” said Ntuli.

Hearing this, the protesters began throwing stones and live rounds were fired from the crowd.

One of the vandalised stores at the Mandeni Mall.

“We don’t want any investigation to be done! We want the ANC to remove or force Zulu to resign,” shouted one of the marchers.

Police used rubber bullets to disperse the angry mob, but the people regrouped and resumed burning tyres on the P459 and vandalising the town.

It is currently unclear if anyone arrested or injured.

Police presence remains heavy, and protests were expected to carry on into the night and Friday.

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