Overnight protest in Pietermaritzburg CBD causes havoc

A resident who's trying to get into town, where he works, says he was told by police to turn around.

A Pietermaritzburg resident who's trying to get into the city centre, where he works, says he was told by police to turn around.

"I had to turn back because of the traffic. We were told that they were burning tyres and toppling bins. It started at Slangspruit and spread to town because that's where the mayor is." 

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The city centre has been hit by violent protests since last night, when community members - marched to the City Hall.  According to Nduduzo Buthelezi, they appeared to be heading back to the venue earlier.

"I sympathise with them rather than blame them. But now, it's starting to affect me." 

He says police are on scene. 

"That's not stopping them from damaging the city. They are still setting fires," Buthelezi said. 

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