No signs of law and order were seen in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where hundreds of ‘Free Zuma’ rioters took to the streets, on Sunday.
Watch: Riots break loose in Gauteng, KZN
The KZN shutdown that broke out on Friday has carried steam throughout the weekend, spreading into parts of Gauteng by Sunday.
The arrest of 27 rioters in KZN for their part in the inferno that swelled over some of the province’s major towns did nothing to stop the momentum.
By Saturday, multiple reports of unrest and road blockages had been reported in East Rand. Nothing could have prepared law enforcement officials for the scenes witnessed in parts of Gauteng on Sunday, though.
Scores of protesters heard chanting ‘free Jacob Zuma’ rendered Johannesburg inoperable with these video clips documenting the unprecedented chaos.
Liquor store looted in Jewel, Maboneng.#FreeZumaNow #GautengShutdown #KZNProtests #FreeJacobZuma #FreeZumaNow pic.twitter.com/ETy2IbLIJS
— MzansiTimes (@mzansi_times) July 11, 2021
Foreign nationals in fear as conflict between them and local protestors erupt in Johannesburg, MTN taxi rank. #FreeZumaNow #GautengShutdown #KZNProtests #FreeJacobZuma pic.twitter.com/dPSOD2scPz
— MzansiTimes (@mzansi_times) July 11, 2021
Durban, by Dalto hostel, a truck has been burned by protestors.
— MzansiTimes (@mzansi_times) July 11, 2021
Road users around this area are advised to be cautious and and avoid using routes to this area. #FreeZumaNow #GautengShutdown #KZNProtests #FreeJacobZuma pic.twitter.com/DYwv5IRPnE
Several police officers receiving medical assistance after being shot at by protestors in Gauteng. #FreeZumaNow #GautengShutdown #KZNProtests #FreeJacobZuma pic.twitter.com/92V1dQXztd
— MzansiTimes (@mzansi_times) July 11, 2021
‘Free Zuma’ riots: Here are the latest updates
According to updates reported on Sunday at 16:00, here’s what we know about law enforcement’s response to the Gauteng shutdown:
- It’s estimated that 62 rioters have been arrested for public violence related to the Gauteng shutdown
- Park Staion has been closed off to access due to the riots. Consequently, there will be no train services between Rosebank and Park Station until further notice
- Rea Vaya services have also been suspended
- A 40-year-old male has been shot and killed in the unrest. Police are investigating a case of murder
- It’a reported that protesters have opened gunfire against public order police. More to follow on this.
- Motorists are advised to AVOID areas where the riots have broken out.