Newcastle service delivery protests turn violent
Chaos has erupted in the streets of Newcastle, where residents have been protesting over service delivery.
The demonstrations turned violent last night, when Osizweni residents blocked the roads with burning tyres and rocks, preventing any access to the township.
Police have confirmed a number of shops in the area have been looted.
READ: Nkandla school's first day rocked by protests
Municipal spokesperson, Mlungisi Khumalo, says they've reached out to the protest leaders to discuss their concerns peacefully.
"Among the list of demands that has been handed over to the municipality is that some members of the community are not too happy or too pleased that over 200 employees were dismissed by the municipality."
"We are still, for now, calling for members of the community to exercise calm and patients. Yes, we do admit that the municipality has been having a number of problems and challenges, but those challenges are not insurmountable," he says.
