KZN ANC unwavering on Gumede decision

"The PEC is not going to be changing its decision."

The party's Mdumiseni Ntuli's issued a message to protesters who shutdown parts of the Durban CBD yesterday.  He hasn't minced his words.

"There are a few comrades from within the region where the mayor is deployed who are hellbent to bring the mayor back to the office. The PEC is firm on its decision and the mayor knows that. If ever she decides to be part of what they are doing - she will be doing that at her own peril."

The PEC put Gumede on a leave of absence and extended that leave this week - after her arrest on fraud and corruption charges linked to a dodgy multi-million-rand waste tender.  

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Gumede and her two co-accused were granted bail of R50 000 last month.

Meanwhile, Gumede's supporters have pinned the chaos in Durban yesterday on the Minister of Police.

"We have been told that there was a decision by the minister of police directly - to say that they must deal with us at all cost." 

Police moved in on protesters outside City Hall yesterday - as they blocked roads, chanted and demonstrated against the ANC's decision to extend the eThekwini Mayor's leave of absence.  

There was a march to the Durban Central Police Station and the magistrate's court - where they also called for the release of the seven arrested for public violence.  

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And more commotion at Gugu Dlamini Park - were more people were detained. 

The group's Sduduzo Magwaza says they feel they have been targeted.

"In fact, we have been told by our sources that they even tried to interfere with court processes to say that those comrades that were arrested in the morning but have been released - should not have been released. We know that Bheki Cele is in charge." 

But police say they had to move in - to arrest people on charges of public violence.  Some employees working near City Hall say they were too frightened to leave their buildings - after they were intimidated by demonstrators and the protest turned violent.