Protests erupt on #ElectionDay2019
Service delivery demonstrations have erupted in and around Durban this morning. Metro Police says protest action in Cato Manor has spiraled out of control which's why they used rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
They were called to restore calm this morning, where rubbish bags were found strewn across a busy route. There were no protesters in sight.
The police's Parboo Sewpersadh says when officers began clearing the road, the demonstrators reappeared and pelted them withstones. He says they're demanding land, housing and also want their refuse to be collected.
The strike action by eThekwini's DSW workers ended last night.
"The situation has stabilised in Cato Manor, the crowd has dispersed after rubber bullets were used against them. We have managed to start clearing the roadway," he said.
Police continue to keep an eye on Ntuzuma Access Road. A group of at least 300 people earlier blocked the road with burning tyres, stones and debris. Video: @SteveBhengu #SAElections2019 @ecr9495 @ECRBreakfast @NatarahNadesan pic.twitter.com/IsYb2PFJeX
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) May 8, 2019
There's also a demonstration on Ntuzuma Access Road. The police's Thulane Zwane says the unrest began at around 6am.
"We received complaints of roads being blocked at Ntuzuma Access Road. Our members proceeded to the area and noticed a group of 300 to 500 people blocking the road with burning tyres, stones and debris," Zwane said.
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Meanwhile, the RTI's Zinhle Mngomezulu says traffic and police officials will keep monitoring the N2 southbound - near Umgababa - to make sure that aren't any flare ups.
"There was an obstruction on the road due to tyres that were burnt by people who were protesting. However, we managed to disperse the crowd. The freeway is opened to traffic and we are working integratedly," Mngomezulu said.
