Durban – Mayville in Durban came to a standstill on Monday when a mob trashed streets, pelted motorists with rocks and tried to forcibly evict an elderly man who was accused of occupying a government house illegally.
The police watched as the group, estimated to number about 700 people, went on the rampage, destroying public toilets, blocking the road, and stoning motorists and police cars in protest at alleged corruption in low-cost government housing.
They demanded the removal of Ward 30 councillor Zanele Ndzoyiya, identified in an ANC investigation as being among those whose elections were “illegitimate”. An ANC task team led by Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma probed allegations of irregular nominations of ANC candidates for the 2011 local government elections.
On Monday, the police’s public order unit used teargas to disperse the crowd.
Metro police cordoned off Vusi Mzimele Road (Bellair) from 5am and diverted motorists to alternative routes.
The group’s leader, Nkululeko Gwala, said eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo knew about their plight.
Violence also nearly erupted between the mob and taxi bosses, who were upset that the protest was affecting their business because taxis could not use their normal routes.
Gwala led the mob to the home of Khuba Mpungose, where they accused the pensioner of occupying the house illegally.
The group tried to storm into the house and remove Mpungose, who was with his young grandson, but police blocked the door. The outnumbered officers called for back-up and drove the mob from the yard.
Ndzoyiya could not be reached for comment.
Police spokesman Thulani Zwane said police would continue monitoring the situation.
Community Safety and Liaison MEC Willies Mchunu condemned the violent protests, including the burning of council buildings in uMlazi at the weekend. “What is happening undermines the rule of law, and is criminality,” said Mchunu.
The Mercury
