Johannesburg – The situation is on a knife-edge in KwaZulu-Natal following the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma with key economic zones in the province engulfed by violent protests.
The demonstrations are said to be part of a string of protests planned by Zuma supporters to put pressure on the government to set Zuma free.
On Friday, traffic on major roads in the province came to a standstill with angry demonstrators using rubble and burning tyres blocking vehicles.
On the N2 freeway near KwaDukuza, north coast of KZN, two people were reported shot and killed by angry protesters.
All roads leading to the Estcourt jail where Zuma is being kept were also blockaded making it difficult to access the correctional facility.
The shutdown is said to be spearheaded by different community formations including taxi associations and churches.
Zweli Dladla, the coordinator of taxi associations in KwaZulu-Natal who are mobilizing support for Zuma, told Sunday World on Friday that: “We did warn that if Zuma is arrested, hell will break loose. This is only the beginning. If Zuma is languishing in prison, nobody will enjoy peace.”
The city of Durban was also shut down including major disturbances to the busy Durban harbour.
On the N3 freeway near Mooi River, an undisclosed number of trucks were torched.
In the north coast of KZN including eMpangeni, Mtubatuba, Mthunzini, amabutho were organized to block the roads.
Foreign-owned shops were also reportedly looted by the demonstrators.
Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, KZN police spokesperson said police had been deployed to monitor the situation.
#KZNshutdown has been trending on Twitter since the protesting began.
View some of the tweets below:
#KZNshutdown we want our president to be freed immediately #FreeJacobZuma NOW pic.twitter.com/Wj0HFnUgWG
— Banele (@Gentlements) July 9, 2021
https://twitter.com/Sylvia98904720/status/1413409894384947203?s=20
#KZNShutDown Durban, Game city pic.twitter.com/u8KpjWBbNH
— Mbuso Ngcobo (@MbusoDavid7) July 9, 2021
Guys it’s getting hectic. If you’re on the N2 towards Richards Bay Empangeni area, be vigilant and stay safe. #KZNShutdown pic.twitter.com/ASKasm21Kk
— Njiyela (@Njiyela6) July 9, 2021
If liquor stores were open it wouldn’t be as hectic, abantu bomiwe bakwethu 😞 #KZNshutdown
— KNOE (@Nolwazi_Mvelss) July 9, 2021
Protecting individuals is one of the reasons Africa is poor because we spend more time and energy defending individuals instead of fighting systems and policies that imprisons us for life.
#KZNshutdown— Vino jnr (@DaBeegJo) July 9, 2021
Sihle Zikalala you have a great task ahead of you, make the right choice. Have your voice heard and call for the release of Jacob Zuma!!!#KZNshutdown #FreeJacobZuma pic.twitter.com/9AzLaz6Ram
— sheriff (@sheriff_za) July 9, 2021
U guys can redicule him all u like bt this guy @niehaus_carl is loyalty personified..I could trade few black ppl for him… @MYANC #ZumaArrested #kznshutdown
— Mello mkito (@PetrusNkoane) July 9, 2021
#KZNshutdown 75% of people protesting might be unemployed I so wish they were protesting for job creation pic.twitter.com/g0gl9YvvoF
— Molefi (@Molefi_pakisi) July 9, 2021
Also read:
Jacob Zuma to remain behind bars after court dismisses his application
Joburg High Court upholds ANC’s suspension of Ace Magashule
Carl Niehaus released from police custody
Government appalled after Zuma prison pictures leaked
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