Community protests over police station
MFEKAYE community members near Mtubatuba brought the N2 to a standstill recently as they burnt and looted trucks in protest over numerous issues.
Tensions started mounting earlier this month when community members organised a march demanding a satellite police station promised to them three years ago.
Starting at Zikhali Tavern, the marching community members then proceeded along the gravel road leading to Emadanyini crossing and crossed the N2 to the Mfekaye water offices near Masibonisane High School.
There they handed over a memorandum to Mtubatuba Municipal Mayor, Cllr Gumede.
According to KwaMsane SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Jabulani Mdletshe, the building of the satellite police station was given out to tender three years ago.
A concrete foundation was laid but the contractor left the site unfinished.
Community members said they need a satellite police station as KwaMsane SAPS is too far from them and is too costly for them to get to.
A week later, community members protested on the N2 just south of Zamimpilo Market, starting with the looting of two trucks and the burning of two other trucks.
Captain Mdletshe said one of the trucks had been burnt beyond recognition.
Over the first two days of the protest, the stretch of the N2 was a no-go zone, with protesters stoning vehicles on both the highway and alternate gravel roads.
After two days of protests and closure of the N2 in the Mfekayi/ Zamimpilo vicinity, KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, ad- dressed the community.
The following morning, protesters moved to the R618 Mtubatuba/Bhoboza vicinity of the N2.
At the time of going to print, protests were still ongoing.