UPDATE: Merlewood N2 protest – seven arrested for public violence [VIDEO]
The N2 is open to traffic.
UPDATE: 2pm
SEVEN people – four men and three women – were arrested after the service delivery protest turned violent.
One woman was taken to hospital afterbeing shot with rubber bullets.
One community member said it was like a war zone.
“We gathered in numbers today to get answers from the Department of Education and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality but instead we get shot at by the police. We never get answers. Nothing ever happens here with regards to service delivery. How are our people going to survive?” asked one resident.
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Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid said officers from Public Order Policing (POP) and VISPOL officers from Port Shepstone SAPS responded after reports were received that the N2 was blocked and vehicles were being stoned.
“Police fired rubber rounds to disperse the crowd as they were preventing motorists from driving on the national road.”
At about 11am the community met with officials from the Department of Education but the protesters were not satisfied and demanded that they be addressed by the Ugu District director of education, Wilfred Sibiya.
When the two officials from DOE had left, police fired rubber rounds to disperse the protesters and move them from the main road.
Another meeting was called by Mr Sibiya at the Ugu district office. This meeting is currently taking place.
The N2 is open to traffic.
UPDATE: 8am:
A MERLEWOOD Primary pupil has been taken to hospital after apparently being accidently struck in the face by a teargas canister, reportedly fired by police, at this morning’s protest.
The community is angry at the lack of progress on the construction of new school buildings.
READ MORE ON THIS: Anger as construction stops at Merlewood Primary
The road is now open, but protest action is continuing in Merlewood itself.
There is a string police presence.
ORIGINAL STORY: 6.15am
THE N2 at Merlewood is closed due to protest action.
Information received indicates that both lanes have been blocked by rocks and burning tyres.
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At the time of writing, police were not yet at the scene.
Motorists are advised to use an alternative route until further notice.
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