Durban- Four people that had been arrested for public violence are expected to appear in the uMbumbulu Magistrates Court on Tuesday. They allegedly blockaded the N2 south freeway near uMgababa with tyres and stones complaining about an increase in minibus taxi fares. On Tuesday, motorists reported on traffic groups that the area was quiet and no protesters could be seen.
A video was recorded by a bystander showed a burning tyre being rolled down the embankment and onto the freeway narrowly missing an oncoming car. This happened despite a metro police van was parked nearby. Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane, a KwaZulu Natal police spokesperson, said a group of 300 people from uMgababa blockaded the road with tyres and stones.
A case of public violence was opened at Umkomaas police station for investigation and four people between the ages of 27 and 47 were arrested. Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, Durban Metro police spokesperson, said protesters also had problems with the local housing issues. They also blockaded R102 near the uMgababa railway station.
Zwane described the situation as "tense" and Public Order Police (POP) were called out to disperse the crowds. The N2 freeway is a major route for motorists travelling south towards Scottburgh and Wild Coast.