On the morning of Monday, 6 June 2011, roads leading to the R102 from KwaDukuza to Umhali were on police lockdown as a result of fierce rioting that saw taxi commuters on the rampage.
Commuters took to the streets burning tyres, stoning taxis, vehicles and people. It was later learned that commuters were angry about the stiff increase in taxi fares.
In Shakaskraal commuters were so upset that they put trees across the road on both ends of the small town resulting in a lockdown of their own. The commuters then retaliated by hurling stones at the police. Police retaliated by firing rubber bullets at the angry mob in return in what made national television news.
In Ntshawini the situation was no different with protesters clashing with police. Two police officers sustained injuries after being stoned. The KwaDukuza SAPS together with the Durban Taxi Violence Unit dispersed the angry protesters in that area.
“We brought the situation under control and arrested close to a hundred people who are due in court on Tuesday, 7 June 2011,” said Constable Khumalo.
The following day protests flared up in Darnall. The protesters blocked the road at the railway bridge which is inland from Zinkwazi. An officer from the RTI told the Xpress that roads in Darnall were closed that same morning because of petrol bombs being thrown at police vehicles.
In Umhali the situation was also out of control as the Tactical Intervention Unit had to be deployed to handle the situation where protesters emulated the behaviour of the commuters from Shakaskraal.
At the time of going to press the police were still maintaining a strong presence in all these areas. Police officials from all precincts are stretched thin in dealing with this most volatile situation. According to unconfirmed reports there have been fatalities.
A local female employee (25) allegedly lost her life together with two taxi drivers.
ANARCHY: Workers and residents fleeing from an angry mob of disgruntled commuters
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