KZN shutdown: Zuma protesters demand his release from prison [video]

Parts of KZN could be rendered inoperable by supporters who want Jacob Zuma out of prison by tomorrow.

By / / Viral
kzn shutdown

This article contains rolling updates on the KZN shutdown. Keep refreshing this page for new videos and details on the unrest taking place in parts of the province.

Supporters of former president Jacob Zuma are rallying for a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) shutdown which could have an adverse impact on daily operations in most parts of the province, on Friday.

KZN shutdown: Protesters want Jacob Zuma released

Two days into his prison stint at the Estcourt Correctional Services facility, and things have yet to settle in the Zulu province. Suspended ANC leader Carl Niehaus was arrested outside of the prison while he addressed the media, the head of Amabutho, Zihogo “Mgilija” Nhleko, was expelled for sending regiments to support the former president in Nkandla last week, and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola faced accusations of leaking Zuma’s prison photos.

All of this took place within a span of 24 hours after the 79-year-old was booked into prison and it was not the end in a day filled with dramatic events.

On Thursday evening, trickles of unrest broke out in a number of regions in KZN. In KwaDukuza, pro-Zuma supporters barricaded roads with rubble and burning tyres, affecting evening peak traffic.

These demonstrations, from what we understand, have spilled onto Friday with Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sibandla, at the forefront of calls for a KZN shutdown.

No official information has been released on what protesters have planned but this tweet from Duduzile suggests that it could be a tough outing for KZN law enforcement officials on this day.

KZN shutdown: Protesters want Zuma out of jail

According to messages shared by Duduzile, it appears that Zuma supporters want him unshackled and sent home as early as Saturday.

While that may be an unrealistic demand, it’s not entirely improbable. Zuma’s application for a permanent stay in the contempt charge was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday.

However, the former president still has his day with the apex court when it is set to review his rescission application next week. If the ConCourt finds fault in its arrest order, then Zuma could be released from prison.

This small silver lining, however, has not doused the fires that burn in some parts of KZN.

KZN shutdown: Road closures for Friday 9 July 2021

Law enforcement officials have been out in numbers, monitoring Friday’s unrest in parts of KZN where Zuma enjoys a great deal of influence.

At this time, KZN’s traffic department has not issued a notice for roads that are likely to be affected by the shutdown. However, from what we have assessed, these areas are hotspots for outbreaks of violence on Friday:

  • N3 highway Durban in-bound, between Hammarsdale and Keyridge
  • Clairwood, Durban (South Coast Road):
  • M4 southern highway, Durban:
  • Multiple locations in Inanda:
  • KwaDukuza;
  • Ballito;
  • Richards Bay;
  • Empangeni;
  • Estcourt, uThukela

At this time, no protest activity has been reported in Estcourt. However, sources on the ground suggest that protesters plan on heading in that direction soon. More updates to follow.

  • Durban central

Motorists and commuters are advised to practice great caution when travelling in these towns.