UPDATE: Ballito residents stand united

UPDATES will be included here throughout the day – stay tuned for more.

ORIGINAL STORY:

As the North Coast enters day 6 of riots and looting, local security companies and Saps – including residents – have joined hands to protect citizens.

This follows violent sporadic ‘protest’ action which flared up with demands that former president Jacob Zuma be released from prison.

Ballito and surrounding areas’ residents came together last night to protect the town from violent protests.

The Ballito Neighbourhood Watch is asking for volunteers to relieve those who have been on duty through the night.

Volunteers are asked to head to the N2 overpass bridge at Ballito and meet with Mark Whitehead and/or Flip Helberg for further instructions.

Authorities are advising that road users only travel if absolutely necessary, a sentiment echoed by Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association vice chair, and Ballito Neighbourhood Watch member, Flip Helberg.

Speaking to the Courier this morning, Helberg said that it was best to remain home and that they were still establishing which roads were safe to travel, if any.

At KwaDukuza, police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar said: “Community of KwaDukuza and surrounding areas are urged to stay indoors as the situation in KwaDukuza is extremely volatile.”

She said looting continued this morning in the central business district of the town, as well as at KwaDukuza Mall.

“Yesterday, numerous liquor store outlets in the area were looted.

“KwaDukuza Saps is working extremely hard through these difficult situations and circumstances, and have been arresting suspects from the protests for public violence and possession of suspected stolen property,” she said.

Below are the latest roads which have been reported as either safe to travel, or to avoid completely.

Roads update:

This is the latest information available as at 8.45am, things however could change at a moment’s notice.

N2 Ballito to Umhlanga – open.

N2 Northbound at Umvoti Toll – closed owing to a truck which was set alight and Shell Ultra Cities being looted. Reports just received indicate that a tanker is also burning in the area.

Umhlanga to Hillcrest – open.

Area around Cornubia Mall remains a no go zone –  A warehouse at Cornubia was set alight.

R102 between Ballito and KwaDukuza remains tense.

Umhlanga to Victoria Embankment – open.

Tongaat Toll – open.

M4 southern freeway up to Quality Street (Durban) – open.

M4 between Ballito and Westbrook Beach – open.

N3 toll – Closed and to be avoided.

N2 between Ballito and Salt Rock – open.