Information about protest action began coming in late last night (January 22), with numerous sources confirming scenes of burning tyres and protesters chanting as they moved through the streets of Osizweni and Madadeni.
This morning, reporters on the ground have confirmed cases of looting in Osizweni, and sources have alleged a school is being burned.
Locally, some schools in the CBD have advised parents to pick up their children if they feel unsafe.
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A local security company said the following: “At this moment the situation is volatile at the entrances going to Madadeni. No go zone. CBD and surrounding so far clear to move around.”
Police presence at various areas at this stage, is high.
Community safety groups have indicated the following:
- Tyres burning at the top of Boundary Road, near Dunuza
- Burning tyres and broken bottles at the Fairleigh intersection
ALSO READ: Complete shutdown averted but protest will continue
The Newcastle Growth Coalition issued the following statement:
“It is sad to see how Madadeni and Osizweni are affected. Burning schools and infrastructure is not a protest – it is damaging of property. We understand that more than 30 shops have been ransacked in Osizweni last night. We also received information that the protesters are making their way into Lennoxton and Amcor Dam bridge. The SAPS is on high alert and will keep the community posted. We request the leadership of Newcastle to solve these issues. The economy of Newcastle will not survive these actions.”
If you are in an area affected by the protest today, let us know. This is a developing story, and we will keep you updated as the day progresses.
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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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