LATEST: Protests rock Durban

A SHOOTING at an informal settlement in Clare Estate late last night led to a violent protest and the shutdown of the area this morning.

Residents of Candover Road and Burnwood Road informal settlement stoned vehicles and blocked the road with debris and burning tyres, demanding that the suspect be handed over to them.

The protest caused traffic disruptions and led to the closure of three schools. The mob threw rocks and bottles at metro police, who responded with teargas and rubber bullets.

Residents from the informal settlement claim the police have not taken action against the suspect. They say they live in fear of his criminal enterprise at the settlement.

He was alleged to have shot three people last night and was arrested this morning.

Several roads and businesses in the area remain closed.

Meanwhile, a protest raged at the gates of the LIV Village in Cottonlands, near Verulam this morning.

Ward councillor Chris Langa said the community was angry because LIV Village, which takes care of orphans and helps give people skills, was not hiring residents from the area.

“The community also said the water from the village had been contaminated with sewerage,” Langa said.

Village manager Chester Nkonyana said the protest had begun at 4am, with protesters breaking the entrance gate.

Nkonyana said they had been having meetings with community representatives about the village not hiring people from the area and would hold a further meeting.

Nkonyana said sewage had contaminated water once when a sewage tank overflowed. He said they dealt with the issue and cleaned it up immediately.

Also this morning, parents with scholars attending Umlazi Comtech High School brought activities to a halt when they protested outside the school. The bone of contention is the disbandment of the governing body and the firing of 18 teachers, allegedly by the Education Department, without consulting the parents.

When the Daily News arrived, parents and pupils were waiting outside the school. Some were carrying sticks. Earlier, parents had burnt rubbish, logs and wire on the road and pavements near the school.

Metro Police were in attendance. – Daily News Reporters