Police: N3 protest followed land invasion arrests
KZN police say last night's violent protest on the N3 came after they arrested a group of people earlier in the evening following a land invasion.
The unrest forced the closure of a section of the highway near Howick from around 9pm last night until 4am this morning.
READ: N3 reopened near Howick after protests
"It is alleged that yesterday, at 6pm, a group of community members invaded a private property at Howick. A total of nine suspects were arrested for trespassing. After the arrest of the suspects, members of the community embarked on a protest and blockaded the R617 Road and N3 north-bound with burning tyres and logs," SAPS spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala says.
She says the mob fired shots at the police and also set alight a truck on the N3.
"They also threw stones at police and motorists. Rubber bullets were used to disperse the unruly crowd. There were reports of vehicles being damaged but no one came forward to open the case," gwala says.
A case of public violence was opened for investigation at Howick SAPS.
The situation is quiet at present but police are monitoring the area.