Five men sentenced for public violence in KwaMashu
A Durban magistrate has sentenced five men to seven years in prison each for public violence during xenophobia-related unrest in KwaMashu in early 2015.
Bongani Luthuli, Siyabonga Thusi, Sikhumbuzo Sibiya, Sakhile Mzobe and Sanele Nkwanyana were arrested after a riot at the Amazambane supermarket.
He says this is simply not acceptable and that there are peaceful ways to resolve issues.
He says people must understand that if their demonstrations turn violent, they risk losing their liberty.
They were among a huge crowd that had looted a store, burnt tyres in the surrounding streets and stoned police officers sent to quell the violence.
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He says this is simply not acceptable and that there are peaceful ways to resolve issues.
Maharaj said a message that this kind of behaviour is no longer going to be tolerated must be sent.
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He says people must understand that if their demonstrations turn violent, they risk losing their liberty.