PICS: Factories torched in Isithebe protests

At least 50 people have been arrested for violent protests in Isithebe, on KZN’s north coast, during which four factories were set alight and vehicles burnt.

|||

Durban – A number of people were treated for light injuries during protests that saw vehicles being burnt and factories torched in Isithebe on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast on Monday.

Police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane said that at least 50 people had been arrested for public violence since the protests erupted late on Sunday night.

He said that four factories and two trucks had been set alight as were three containers.

Members of the communities, who were protesting, were complaining about the re-nomination of the ex-mayor for the upcoming election, Zwane said.

He said police units were deployed from Empangeni, Newcastle and Ulundi to restore order in the area.

Paul Herbst, Operations Manager for IPSS Medical Rescue, said as a result of stone throwing a number of people had been treated for light injuries.

Isithebe is located near Mandeni, which is about 90 kilometres south of Richards Bay.

African News Agency

* Use IOL’s Facebook and Twitter pages to comment on our stories. See links below.