Durban - KwaZulu-Natal community safety MEC Willies Mchunu condemned the violence on Friday during a protest in Durban's KwaMashu hostels.
In a statement, he said he was concerned at the upsurge in violence in the area during a reported service delivery protest, which apparently resulted in the shooting of a member of the African National Congress.
Police could not immediately confirm the incident.
“While we respect the constitutional right of all South Africans to protest and gather freely, such protest has to be done within the law,” he said.
“Carrying and firing of firearms is strictly prohibited and should be strongly condemned.”
He urged restraint and said all those involved should seek negotiations rather than resort to violence.
Sapa