NATIONAL SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo has confirmed that the South African Police Service is working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to go after instigators behind the protests that rocked parts of KZN on Friday morning.
The province experienced protest action on major roads and highways including the N2, N3 and M7 which were targeted allegedly by angry supporters of former president Jacob Zuma who was sentenced to 15 months in jail for defying an instruction to give evidence at an inquiry into corruption. Zuma is currently incarcerated at the Estcourt Correctional Centre.
Brigadier Naidoo said the instigators would be charged with malicious damage to property, arson, looting, blocking and damaging of national roads in and around Durban.
Related story: VIDEO: Irate Zuma supporters create havoc across Durban
“These actions have clearly emanated from the calls that were made by certain prominent persons via the mainstream and social media space. These prominent individuals will most likely be the ones facing these charges and they will be called to account for these and any other crimes that may occur in the future,” Naidoo said.
Commenting on the protests on Friday, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala called for protesters to express their anger through legitimate and peaceful platforms.
“We understand the extreme anger of the people who are protesting. As a country and province we find ourselves in a very unusual and unique situation wherein we are dealing with the arrest of a former President of the ANC and the country. We are therefore dealing with very challenging times. However we call on those who are protesting to do so through peaceful means and to avoid violence and destruction at all costs,” said Zikalala.
Also read: Paramedics responding to Mount Edgecombe emergency stopped by protesters
“We fully comprehend the feelings of the community, but unfortunately violent and destructive protests often affect or harm even the people who are not involved, and even those who share the very same pain and concerns of the protesters.”
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