Bullets fly in Durban power protest

Riot police were called to disperse protesters who barricaded roads outside the Dalton Men’s Hostel in central Durban on Wednesday night.

Gunshots rang out in the crowd, understood to have been protesting about not having electricity.

The hostel, situated on the fringes of the city centre, is largely inhabited by migrant workers.

Police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said hostel residents erected burning barricades on Sydney Road, the main route adjacent to the hostel complex.

“Residents barricaded Sydney road with burning tyres and rubbish bins, complaining about not having electricity for the past three days."

Durban public order police tried to control the crowd. Protesters threw stones at the police and looted shops.

“Gunshots were heard amongst the crowd. The police managed to control the situation and the crowd was dispersed into their rooms.

“A case of public violence was opened at Umbilo police station for investigation and no arrests or injuries were reported,” he said.

Source: News24