The police have confirmed that three people, including a policeman, sustained gunshot wounds during a community protest at uMzinto on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo says at least eight police officers were also injured when they were pelted with stones as they tried to disperse the protesting crowd.
The community is apparently disgruntled over the current councillor who is again contesting this year’s local government elections in the area.
Roads were blockaded with burning tyres, rubble and branches.
Members of the community allegedly also vandalised a number of voting stations and vowed that no voting will take place in the area.
The community claims that the councillor in ward 6 failed to ensure proper service delivery in the area.
Brigadier Naidoo says the shooting took place at a mediation meeting between the community and the councillor which turned violent. Shots were fired, injuring two community members and the policeman. Police vehicles were also stoned.
It’s believed the councillor fled the area.
Meanwhile, the ANC’s provincial secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli has condemned the incident and says the party will be meeting with the councillor on Sunday.
LGE 2021 | Shooting in Umzinto: Jayed-Leigh Paulse updates
