Police keep strong presence in Cato Manor

"Cato Manor is a no-go area for now. There are trees, debris, tyres and boulders on the corner of the Jan Smuts Highway and Bellair Road. Please do not use that road. Protesters are still at large," spokesperson, Parboo Sewpersadh said earlier. 

Durban Metro Police say ongoing demonstrations by community members over land and housing also brought chaos to roads like Mary Thiphe Street. 

Sewpersadh says officers patrolling the area were first alerted to a gathering of about 300 people at around 8pm last night.  

That number had swelled to a thousand within an hour.

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"The police tried to negotiate. One of the policeman was struck with a brick on his back while trying to negotiate. They eventually moved back and the crowd ran into the bushes. We also heard that there were live rounds fired at police by the protesters."

Sewpersadh says a call for backup was made. 

Police gave chase but protesters evaded officers by running into thick bushes. And early this morning, the protests had spiraled out of control with demonstrators allegedly setting alight COGTA offices. 

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