WATCH: Police reinforcements expected as protests shut Ladysmith down
The protesters are not happy with the current state of the local municipality, and are demanding that Mayor Vincent Madlala step down.
A large contingent of police from Pietermaritzburg and Newcastle are expected to descend on Ladysmith soon, Ladysmith Gazette reports.
They are currently en-route and it is expected that when they arrive, they will begin clear-up operations.
#Ladysmithshutdown Things getting heated between police and protesters in Ladysmith. Police have “retreated” for now. The town is on shutdown since yesterday. Protesters are demanding the removal of Mayor Vincent Madlala. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/oBeCTjxpSr
— Siphamandla Goge (@SiphamandlaGoge) February 27, 2020
While some of the manned protests appear on the surface to be jovial in nature, we have received reports of vehicles being stoned and threats of bodily harm. The numbers at some of the manned protests have steadily begun to increase, with some protesters armed with knobkerries, crowbars and other semi-traditional weapons.
Other protesters have been clearly spotted carrying holstered firearms.
Parents have been taking their children out of school since early this morning.
https://www.facebook.com/ladysmith.gazette/videos/637579850388288/
https://twitter.com/RiotAndAttackSA/status/1232926813854326784?s=20
#Ladysmithshutdown Entry & exit points are closed in Ladysmith as the shutdown continues. Protesters want Mayor Vincent Madlala gone. They are complaining about lack of basic services and ongoing taxi violence in the area. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/eoV2vPcIfG
— Siphamandla Goge (@SiphamandlaGoge) February 27, 2020
Read original story on ladysmithgazette.co.za
