Umzinto water protest: One person shot – police search for suspects

The roads of Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal, were blocked by protestors early on Monday, 31 January. The protest is the result of the ongoing water shortages in the South Coast town that sees residents go without water for days.

UMZINTO WATER PROTEST CONTINUES

KZN South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Nqobile Gwala told The South African that approximately 150 people set up blockades at all the entrances to Umzinto at 4:00 on Monday morning.

Gwala the people are blocking the roads with burning tyres. The police are on the scene to monitor and stabilise the situation.

“One of the community members was shot on the leg and sustained injuries. Police are still searching for the suspect involved,” said the police spokesperson.

According to KZN publication, The Witness, the organisers of the protest said their aim was to restore water to their taps, in a notice.

“All protesting residents are unarmed and are there to peacefully show the plight that we are facing and the duress that we understand as human beings.

“In this memorandum, there are views of the community and suggestions from stakeholders who have possible solutions to the inhumane situation we are facing,” said the notice.

The delegation handed its memorandum to the Ugu District Municipality and the shooting took place afterwards.

Community activist Ash Moodley told The Witness that people from Riverside Park shot at protestors.

Previously, the delegation said the blockades would be removed once the memorandum is received and acknowledged by the municipality.

However, Moodley later added that roads would remain closed until the person who shot and injured the protestor has been located.

Moodley said residents have been struggling with water supply issues since 2021. KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala is expected to visit the Ugu district on Tuesday, 1 February to address the issue.

ALSO READ:

Police: Siblings arrested for vigilante killing in KZN