eThekwini lashes out at artists for protesting on Durban N3 highway
The eThekwini Municipality says the artist protest that shut down the N3 - amounts to economic sabotage.
The municipality's responded to Wednesday's demonstration near Spaghetti Junction by music performers and live events personnel.
They stopped traffic for one request.
They're asking the government to increase the crowd capacity at live events to 70% - from the current allowance of 50 people.
They say the months-long coronavirus lockdown's put their livelihoods at risk.
eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda says they understand the arts and entertainment industries are struggling - but they cannot condone unlawful conduct.
He says the blockade on a national route, puts more pressure on our economy.
The Municipality's Msawakhe Mayisela says the COVID-19 regulations are meant to curb the spread of the virus:
"This is one of the busiest freeways in the country and the backbone of the economy of this country. Under no circumstance shall we allow a situation whereby it doesn't operate.
"We condemn the incident and we are very disturbed and embarrassed by the behaviour of artists in light of the fact that these are role models to quite a number of young people," says Mayisela.
At least 35 people were arrested and six vehicles impounded - after police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades to try to disperse the protesters.
