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Attempt to remove Ballito barricades halted
KwaDukuza municipality tried to shut down the four-day-old civilian barricade protecting the town from looters but the situation has since been resolved.
A tense standoff developed at the Ballito N2 bridge this afternoon as the KwaDukuza municipality attempted to shut down the four-day-old civilian barricade protecting the town from looters.
The situation has since been resolved, following a meeting between the municipal, security and community stakeholders, ensuring that the status quo at the barricades remains.
At around 3.15pm, Municipal manager, Nhlanhla Mdakane, director of community safety, Moses Faya and about 15 community safety officers arrived to demand that residents manning the roadblock stand down.
The crowd of about 200 residents were outraged as they have been the only meaningful barrier stopping rioters and looters from entering the town.
Rioters have devastated the unprotected neighbouring towns of Tongaat, Shakaskraal and Stanger as security services have been unable stop the mobs.
Moses Faya told the Courier, “We came here to engage with civilians in terms of the law. They are not allowed to hold roadblocks and put barricades. As the government we must ensure that law and order prevails here.”
Faya said KDM should have been consulted about the formation of the Greater Ballito Operations Centre (GBOC), which is organising the roadblocks and other measures on behalf of Ballito business.
However GBOC chief executive Warwick Chapman replied that KDM had been invited to the initial meetings but had not attended.
“We absolutely believe that you should have a permanent seat at the table when making these decisions. We would welcome your participation and an open dialogue,” said Chapman.
The municipal manager, officials and GBOC leaders left the bridge to meet at the Salt Rock Hotel to discuss a way forward before shops reopen tomorrow.
The crowd dispersed after being asked to remain calm by resident and GBOC security leader Mark Whitehead and IPSS Electronic Security owner Frank Labidi in an address.
At the meeting, a set of terms for the continuation of the barricades was agreed upon.
- The status quo will remain. Bridges will continue to be manned until such time that residents of the Greater Ballito community feel it is safe to suspend such operations.
- As of tomorrow (July 16) at 6am, the major checkpoints will have the support of 1 Saps and 1 KDM Metro officer each.
- There will continue to be 40-50 residents manning the checkpoints.
- The support of the security companies will continue.
- The Dolphin Coast Taxi Association and residents of Shaka’s Head will lend support vetting taxis and their occupants between 6am and 6pm.
- Management of foot traffic across the bridges will be continued as will other duties assigned by KDM and Saps.
“I want to make a big shout out to the residents of Ballito and Shaka’s Head for making a stand today. Ultimately we showed how much we care for each other,” said Whitehead.
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