A Mandeni municipality vehicle was set alight, shops were looted and live rounds were fired as Mandeni descended into chaos this afternoon.

What began as a peaceful protest spiraled out of control this afternoon when the 3000-strong crowd did not have their demands met.

They were demanding the immediate removal of Mandeni mayor Siphesihle Zulu.

The marchers closed the P459 main road with burning tyres and trees early this morning before making their way to the municipal office where they were addressed by African National Congress PEC member, Bheki Ntuli.

After receiving the memorandum, Ntuli said the ANC would not be able give answers or take action today, as the allegations must first be investigated.

“These are very serious allegations and must be handled with care.

“The ANC will not hesitate to take action should any of these allegations prove true,” said Ntuli.

Hearing this the protesters began throwing stones and live rounds were fired from the crowd.

“We don’t want any investigation to be done! We want the ANC to remove or force Zulu to resign,” shouted one of the marchers.

The police used rubber bullets to disperse the angry mob but the people regrouped and resumed burning tyres on the P459 and vandalize the town.

It is currently unclear if anyone arrested or injured.

The police presence remains heavy, however the protest is expected to carry on tonight and tomorrow.

Also read: Mandeni municipal manager calls for peace and stability

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