Protester shot in R22 blockade

SERVICE delivery protests in uMkhanyakude District’s ward 3 turned violent on Tuesday night, leading to the shooting of a protester.

Jozini Local Municipality issued a statement a short while ago in which it stated, contrary to hearsay, Jozini Mayor Bethuel Mthethwa was not involved in the shooting but rather involved in restoring law and order.

Disgruntled community members blocked the R22 between Hluhluwe and Sodwana Bay as they protested over water shortages that are rife in the entire uMkhanyakude District.

They allegedly took out their frustrations on the municipal market stalls, setting them alight. A concerned community member reported the situation to Mthethwa who in turn reported it to Jozini SAPS.

According to Jozini Municipality, Mthethwa and police officers were attempting to salvage the burning stalls when the SAPS convoy came under attack.

Protesters allegedly shot at the mayor and police officers who fired retaliatory shots. It was only the following day that the mayor learned that a protester had been shot during the shootout.

His condition is currently unknown but he was taken to Ngwelezane Hospital.

Jozini’s Executive Director of Community Services, John Khumalo, said the municipality’s disaster truck was blocked by protesters, leading to the complete burning down of the market stall.

In the early hours of this morning (Thursday), another market stall was burnt down. Khumalo also said the municipality is unable to reach the areas in question to assess damage or take photographs as protesters are still blocking the road.

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