A large contingent of police from Pietermaritzburg and Newcastle are expected to descend on Ladysmith soon.
They are currently en-route and it is expected that when they arrive, they will begin clear-up operations.
Also read: Shutdown in Ladysmith gets worse
While some of the manned protests appear on the surface to be jovial in nature, we have received reports of vehicles being stoned and threats of bodily harm. The numbers at some of the manned protests have steadily begun to increase, with some protesters armed with knobkerries, crowbars and other semi-traditional weapons.
Other protesters have been clearly spotted carrying holstered firearms.
Parents have been taking children out of school since early this morning.
Currently, Roosboom, Helpmekaar intersection, Ajantha Crescent, Protea Drive and Van Riebeeck Park are closed. The bypass is still open, but as we have said before, everything can change in a matter of seconds.
Reports that the Indoor Sports Complex has been set on fire are not true. A community hall in Ezakheni E-Section was set alight last night (Februry 26) and photos circulating are of that.
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