Richards Bay shut down as violent protests rock the city

There has been unrest at the KwaZulu-Natal north coast city since earlier this week, with the bus and taxi rank shutting down.

Today, the N2 and roads going in and out of Nseleni township were blocked by protesters.

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Resident, Monqiue Williams says they have been forced to stay indoors until the situation calms down.

"It started earlier this morning. [Protestors] blocked off all the main roads into and out of Richards Bay. The bridge at Nseleni was blocked. Families are battling to get their children to school. Protestors are in the CBD now too," said Williams.

Umhlathuze Municipality said in a statement that the protests are linked to the employment of foreign truck driver.

But Williams believes this is not true. She says communities are fed up with authorities apparently doing nothing about drug dealers and have taken matters into their own hands.

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Many social media users who have commented on earlier stories relating to the unrest have shared similar sentiments -- citing drug crime as being the root cause.

Williams says the situation is affecting everyone.

"My mother got caught in it. The bullets flew right passed her," said Williams.

"It's hectic. Bullets flying, you stay out of town. You have to stay at home. That's how bad it is," she continued.

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