Charges against 27 rioting Dube Village residents have been withdrawn.
The protesters were arrested by the KwaDukuza crime prevention unit on Tuesday morning for taking part in an illegal protest that saw the R102 closed.
Residents, throwing stones at police and burning tyres, were demanding housing, sanitation and electricity just two weeks after their Etete counterparts rioted for similar demands.
The rioters appeared in the KwaDukuza magistrate’s court on Wednesday and were let off with a stern warning from senior public prosecutor advocate Nandy Moodley.
“Every action has some sort of reaction. Aggression leads to repercussion so you need to think about what you do. Just think of the good you can do to your community,” said Moodley.
KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu has welcomed the court’s decision and called for an end to illegal protests.
“It is saddening that this group failed to bring their concerns to our attention. I hold a view that these are youngsters who deserve a chance to make positive change in society. I hope this will send a clear message that illegal protests are against the law and the accused have come to terms with their actions.”
The rioters were held over night at the KwaDukuza SAPS but released because damage to municipal property was “minor.”
KZN police commissioner lieutenant general Mmamonnye Ngobeni condemned the protest and promised to continue dealing with unlawful protest action.
“While we respect an individual’s right to protest, we cannot condone the illegal activities that take place during such protest actions. Protesters should also not infringe on the rights of innocent members of the public who are usually affected by such protest action.”
