The outcome of the ANCs long-awaited KwaZulu-Natal conference was a win for the Thuma Mina crowd. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
DURBAN – Protests erupted in Durban’s Sea Cow Lake area with several roads being blocked off since the early hours of Monday morning.
Official comment from the police was not immediately available, but it is understood the protests are service delivery related.
North Coast Road, Inanda Road, Sea Cow Lake Road and Inanda Road near the N2 highway were reportedly blocked by protesters on Monday morning who were burning tyres and stoning vehicles.
The roads that were reported to be blocked area those that lead into the Springfield Industrial Park where thousands of people work.
Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook were abuzz with warnings to avoid the area and numerous photos taken from the area.
The local Northglen News, quoted local resident Duane Bengston as saying: “North Coast Road and Nandi Drive is crazy. Protesters are burning stiff and throwing rocks at cars”.
Kyle van Reenen, spokesman for local security firm Marshall Security said: “I would stay away from there.”
One image from Marshall security showed a tanker, being towed with its cab in flames.
Van Reenen said the image has been sent by one of their members who is on duty in the area.
The protests started at about four am and both South African Police Services as well as the eThekwini Metro Police have responded to the protests.
Comment could also not be obtained from eThekwini Metro police spokesman Sbonelo Mchunu.
It is also not immediately known if anyone has been injured in the protests or if any arrests have been made.
The Sea Cow Lake area is home to numerous informal settlements, some of which were severely affected by the heavy rains that lashed Durban last month. There are also numerous businesses in the area and it borders the Springfield Industrial Park complex. – African News Agency (ANA)
Disclaimer: This story is pulled directly from the African News Agency wire, and has not been edited by Mail & Guardian staff. The M&G does not accept responsibility for errors in any statement, quote or extract that may be contained therein.