Five suspects arrested for protest at Umhlathuze municipality

DURBAN - Police in northern KwaZulu-Natal have arrested five suspects for the chaotic protest that damaged property at the Umhlathuze local municipality in Richard's Bay. 

Last week, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters and their provincial leaders broke a window and damaged a glass door at the municipality during a protest. 

The party wanted three of its six councillors to be removed and their seats to be declared vacant. 

READ: Police disperse EFF members protesting outside uMhlathuze local municipality

The councillors faced the chop because they disobeyed the party’s instruction when they were recalled for failing to transport supporters to the EFF’s rally in back 2023.  

The five suspects were set to appear in court on Friday.

The group was nabbed in connection with the protest which ended with police dispersing the protesters with stun grenades and rubber bullets. 

Police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda confirmed the charges to Eyewitness News. 

“Police in Richard’s Bay have arrested five suspects for public violence and malicious damage to property following a protest action at the Umhlathuze municipality civic centre on 23 January 2025, in which doors and windows were damaged.“ 

Eyewitness News understands that the suspect is one of the party's provincial leaders.