Municipal officials address protestors in Isithebe
Municipal representatives from Mandeni have now arrived on the scene of violent protests in Isithebe in northern KZN to hear what the protesters are unhappy about.
Thousands gathered late last night blocking the roads with burning tyres.
Several factories, trucks and containers in the town centre have since been torched with many workers told not to report for work out of concern for their safety.
According to police, the protests are over the election of candidates contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections.
The municipality's Mduduzi Manzi says similar protests broke out last week over the appointment of the new Induna by the local Inkosi.
Also read: More police deployed to Isithebe amidst protests
"The main challenge that we have is that we don't have the actual leaders of the community coming forward and saying what they actually want. We are now relying on hearsay and rumours.
"There's no production within the industry - roads are closed, some of the industries have received some damages," he said.
So far, 50 protesters have been arrested and police say they will continue to monitor the situation.
(Photos supplied)