KZN metro cop shot during protest over new councillor
A metro police officer is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot as protests raged across parts of Inanda‚ KwaMashu and Ntuzuna in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday. Dozens of people were reportedly injured when they clashed with police in protests against newly elected councillors.Affected wards include Ntuzuma’s wards 42‚ 43‚ 38 and 107; Inanda’s wards 53‚ 55 and 57; and Kwamashu’s wards 40‚ 41‚ 46 and 47.The biggest protests‚ however‚ were at Ward 57 in Maoti‚ north of Durban.Schools were closed and a number of residents weren’t able to go to work on Monday.Inanda police spokesman Captain Gabi Simelane‚ who was at the scene‚ said the protests had started at midnight.“The police have managed to bring the situation under control in most wards. I can confirm that a case of attempted murder has been opened against the injuring of a metro police officer‚” she said.Simelane named the injured policeman was an Inspector Z Mlangeni.Several cases of public violence were also opened.A protester wears a shirt that says “Be careful‚ we are drunk” on the front and “We are belching beer” on the back. Pictures: NATHI OLIFANTA protester wears a shirt that says “Be careful‚ we are drunk” on the front and “We are belching beer” on the back. Pictures: NATHI OLIFANTBy 10.45am‚ police resources were stretched‚ fighting sporadic protests in Maoti‚ where burning skip bins had been overturned. Roads were littered with rocks‚ smouldering tyres and ash.Ward 57 resident Nkosinathi Magwaza said the issue was with the African National Congress‚ which had fielded a councillor candidate the community did not want.“We can’t be led by a person we don't know. All we hear is that he grills chicken at Nando’s‚” said Sphiwe Mdlolo‚ a protester at Ward 57‚ Maoti.Tsiebo Phohlo‚ a new councillor‚ has replaced the popular Thulani Khunju‚ which has angered parts of the community. Phohlo is relatively unknown.“He does not even live here. Already he has bodyguards. Who's paying for that. Zandile [Gumede] shoved this person against our will‚” said Magwaza.Khunju became an independent candidate but lost out to Phohlo‚ eliciting massive protests.TMG Digital/The Times..
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