At least 3 people died and several were injured during riots on the North Coast last week.

KwaDukuza Saps arrested more than 20 people for possession of items suspected to be stolen, 15 for public violence and 3 for possession of unlicensed firearms.

Two people died after receiving fatal bullet wounds during unrest in Shaka’s Head and a third died after being stabbed in KwaDukuza town.

KwaDukuza police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar confirmed that the man died in hospital after he was stabbed during the looting of a store.

One of the Shaka’s Head injured  – 25-year-old, Thuso Duma – died on route to hospital last Monday, July 12, while the second died in hospital on Monday morning, July 19.

Duma’s friends Nkanyiso Mbokazi and Sigcino Nxumalo said they watched their friend die.

“We were all at the protest and I was running across the road getting back into the township when I found him on the ground.

“We carried him into the sports field and Nkanyiso brought his car.

“We put him in the car, intending to drive to the police station because we could not go to the hospital due to the roadblocks. We thought taking him to the station was our best option because the police would probably know who to call or which roads were open,” said Nxumalo.

Duma died in the back seat of Nkanyiso’s car while they were driving.

“He was from Umlazi, I found him a job and asked him to come and stay with me here in Shaka’s Head.

“He was a people’s person, we were always happy when he is around because even in difficult times, he would find something to joke about.

“I am shattered that he is no more,” said Nkanyiso.

“I must thank the community of Shaka’s Head who has been so supportive since the death of my friend.

“I have been staying in this township for years, but I never thought should something bad happen, I would get the support I have been getting.

“So to the residents of Shaka’s Head, thank you,” said Nkanyiso.