Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

Yesterday at approximately 22:00, members of the community embarked on a protest action. The protests turned violent today when four factories, a truck, two vehicles and five containers were set alight. Police vehicles were also damaged by the protesters. Eight computers were also taken at the one of the factory offices and two were later recovered. A total of 120 suspects were arrested and charged for public violence, arson and malicious damage to property were opened for investigation. More arrests are expected as the police are still monitoring and diffusing the crowd. More manpower has been deployed to take control of the situation.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni condemned the violent protests which resulted in factories and vehicles being set alight. “Violence during protest action will not be tolerated. The police have a responsibility to protect property and lives during these violent protests. Members of the community are warned that we will execute our constitutional mandate and perpetrators of such violent protests will be arrested and prosecuted,” she said.

Media enquiries: Major Thulani Zwane -071 683 6525 kzn.mediacentre@saps.gov.za

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