EThekwini Municipality suspends bus service over riots in KZN

The eThekwini Municipality has suspended its municipal bus service for Monday, 12 July 2021 as a result of the current riots and civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

KZN continues to be rocked by anarchy, riots and unrest because of the #FreeJacobZuma and #KZNShutdown themed sporadic protests that have brought most parts of the province to a standstill.

In a statement released on Sunday, eThekwini Municipality said residents can expect other service delivery interruptions over the next few days.

“We wish to advise the public of the suspension of the municipal bus service tomorrow, Monday, 12th July. This is as a result of the current civil unrest. In addition to the bus service, residents can expect other service delivery interruptions over the next few days.

“While the municipality remains committed to minimising the interruptions, the safety of employees and municipal assets remains paramount. The Municipality will share updates with residents regularly via the Municipality’s social media platforms.”

EThekwini Municipality

The Municipality also urged residents to to exercise caution at this time to ensure their safety and security and to report incidents of damage to public property on (031) 3610000 or 10111 as well as to their councillors.

Riots and looting were the order of the day in several areas in eThekwini on Sunday.

Videos and photographs depicted rubble burning outside businesses in Umbilo and Tongaat, while others recorded gunshots being fired as looters descended on Knowles Superspar in Pinetown. Looters and rioters also targeted Umlazi Megacity and blocked the N2 near Shell Ultracity outside Umgababa on the South Coast in both directions. 

SAPS National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) spokesperson Brenda Muridili said:

“SAPS, together with Metro Police have been deployed to identified volatile areas. They are visible and on high alert to respond to any disruptions, for now in KZN (KwaZulu-Natal) the number of arrested people has risen to 43.”