Durban - Seven people have been arrested following ongoing protests in the KwaZulu-Natal town of Ladysmith over the last week.
The seven were nabbed on charges of public violence after several vehicles were set alight.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said in the early hours of Friday morning, police officers were patrolling the R103 road and clearing rubble when they received information about a group of men busy barricading the N11 Road.
"Upon arrival they spotted a suspicious minibus standing off next to the barricades. All the suspects were caught red-handed setting up barricades on the road. A search was then conducted and a total of six old tyres, petrol and an axe was found inside the suspect’s vehicle. A total of seven suspects aged between 24 and 47 were placed under arrest for public violence at Elandslaagte SAPS. They are expected to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrates Court," Mbele said.
The arrests were hailed by KZN SAPS Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula
"I am glad that the suspects were arrested. They will also be profiled to check if they are linked to the torching of vehicles in Ladysmith,” he said.
Police and law enforcement officers were tasked with stepping up measures to curb the protests and arrest those involved in the unrest.
Residents took to the streets at the end of last month, demanding that mayor of Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Vincent Madlala, step down immediately. They have accused Madlala of looting municipal coffers for his personal use. Parts of Ladysmith have been shut down due to the protests.