Police injured in stand-off with protestors
Curious bystanders looked on as alleged rivals from the hostels hauled stones and insults at each other.
VIOLENT protests on the N2 near Lamontville, has caused chaos since 4am on Monday, 16 May.
Protestors burnt tyres and trees and threw rocks, threatening the safety of motorists who use the busy N2 highway, forcing Metro Police to close affected suburban roads in Durban South. On the N2, public order police members in full riot gear cleared the roadway of burnt tyres and obstructions.
According to an anonymous source, residents from nearby hostels in Durban South came to blows as they attacked each other with huge rocks. “It’s a war between the hostels, also the dissatisfaction with local councilors in the area. This fighting has been going on since 4am,” he said.
In the midst of protests, two people were injured in a collision when the drivers allegedly tried to avoid the burning tyres blockading the roads. While ER24 paramedics attended to the injured drivers, a law enforcement official fell over the side of a bridge and down an embankment while he was apparently trying to avoid vehicles. The paramedics found him with fractures and several bruises and scrapes. He was treated at the scene and taken to hospital.
The roads were later cleared for use but the protest continued in Lamontville. Motorists proceeded with caution as the drove past the remnants of burnt tyres and smoke while curious bystanders looked on as alleged rivals from the hostels hauled stones and insults at each other.
An angry Montclair resident who elected not to be named refused to step out of her house after hearing the news of the protest, especially since her plans involved driving through the affected areas. “As a woman, I feared for my life. I heard about the stoning and the burning so I decided not to risk it. It’s really annoying that they choose to disrupt thousands of people from getting to their jobs or to school,” she said.
