BREAKING NEWS: Strikers shot while protesting against mayor and municipality
"They hurt us, but we won't stop until they listen."
At 6am this morning more than 100 people gathered in the quite streets of Utrecht to stage a protest against the Emadlangeni Municipality, its Mayor, Joe Zikhali and other senior officials.
With more than 200 others set to join, the protesters began their protest quite vocally, their chants rallying others through the street.
The protest had apparently been planned for weeks, and the first official proposed date went back three weeks ago.
However, according to the organising committee of the strike, the march had been been halted at every possible step by municipal officials.
“They told us we cannot convene. Last week Monday most of the community was ready to strike, but the municipality said it would be illegal.”
This morning, braving icy winter winds, and alleged municipal threats, the protestors chose to gather anyway, and the result was rubber bullets and barred roadways.
Riot police, allegedly on authority of the municipality, were sent out to disperse the illegally gathered crowd.
With the roadway barred, the crowd chose not to disperse, and rubber bullets were fired by police.
According to strike members, the crowd has since dispersed, with many seeking medical attention.
“They hurt us, but we won’t stop until they listen,” said one protestor.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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