Update: N2 Bhobhoyi protest: Cop injured – 47 arrested
The policeman was hit on the head with a stone.
A policeman was badly injured when he was struck on the head by a stone during the protest on the N2 between Bhobhoyi and Murchison yesterday (Wednesday).
According to police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane the police officer is from the Durban PoP unit and is being treated in hospital.
“Seven juveniles between the ages 15 and 17 years were arrested for public violence yesterday (Wednesday) and released last night into their parent’s custody.
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“A total of 47 suspects were arrested. Forty will appear in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday). Seven juveniles will appear tomorrow in a separate case of public violence,” said Lt-Col Zwane.
Unconfirmed reports claim that the road to St Faith’s as well as the the Port Edward and Izingolweni Roads arealso closed, but the Herald can not confirm whether these two road closures are related to the protest.
Yesterday (Wednesday) the crowd was addressed by the KZN Department of Transport head of department, Sbusiso Gumbi on their concerns regarding theD1014 road. Mr Gumbi indicated that two contractors have been appointed and are ready to begin with the rehabilitation of the two tarred ends of the road. He also indicated that DoT would ensure that the gravel section of the road is properly and consistently maintained while plans to have this portion upgraded are being made.
Mr Gumbi assured protesters that no money earmarked for the repair of the road was missing. At the end of his address, chaos ensued, with some protesters throwing stones at the delegation and police. Police were then forced to discharge rubber bullets and teargas, causing the protesters to flee.
“The situation is being monitored and all possible means are being explored in to have the road re-opened. We plead with road users and the general public to be patient, cautious and cooperative as the situation remains tense,” said Simon April, spokesman for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
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