national shutdown protests

Photo: Twitter

National Shutdown update: Early morning protests flare-up in Durban

Burning debris was scattered across Umgeni Road on Monday morning, amid concerns of ‘National Shutdown’ protests spreading through SA.

national shutdown protests

Photo: Twitter

Law enforcement officials have dispersed a crowd of protesters in the City of Durban on Monday morning, after the sizeable group set fire to debris scattered across the main carriageway of Umgeni Road. The demonstration comes as South Africa braces itself for an attempted ‘National Shutdown’ on Monday.

National Shutdown latest: Durban protests on Monday morning

The first rumblings of discontent were reported in the early hours of the morning. DA Shadow Security Minister, Dianne Kohler-Barnard, confirmed that a vehicle had been burned out – and slammed SAPS for an allegedly slow reaction:

“Some protesting along the usual Alpine/Umgeni roads in Durban from 03h50. A car burned. Private Security and CPFs informed the SAPS…who of course should have known this was going to happen and prevented it.”

Umgeni Road protests – a brief timeline

  • Just after 3:00, roads were blocked and obstacles were set ablaze
  • By 5:30, the situation had calmed, and law enforcement officials remained at the scene
  • Just before 6:00, the ‘all clear’ was given after Umgeni Road was successfully reopened.

National Shutdown fears remain prevelant

A leaked report detailing the specific plans of National Shutdown protesters for Monday had identified specific stores, roads, and areas in Phoenix, Tongaat, Durban North, and Verulam as ‘vulnerable targets’.

SAPS have beefed up their security operations for the week ahead, and it is also believed that national key points – such as ports and air terminals – as local authortities brace for some form of disruption.