Cop shot in violent Folweni protests
A policeman has been shot and wounded in Folweni where violence has continued today.
The officer was shot in the leg during protest action in the township south of Durban.
There have been running battles between police officers and residents this afternoon as the protests continue for a second day.
Earlier, the protesters hurled stones at police who retaliated with tear gas.
Some of the residents of Folweni are unhappy about the ANC candidate that has been nominated for the local government elections due to take place later this year.
They want the candidate removed from the top of the list and replaced with another potential councillor whom they believe will do a better job of delivering services to them.
Earlier, a local hall and a shop were set on fire, adding to a growing list of damage to property.
Last night, a fire station and a school office were torched, while police say a number of their vehicles were also damaged.
The residents have vowed to press on with their protest until the regional leadership of the ANC addresses them.
There have been elements of criminality during the demonstrations, with two shops looted.
One woman has told East Coast Radio Newswatch she had to move her stock to a safer place because a group of people had earlier wanted to enter the shop.
She says she had to pay them R500 to leave. Another shop owner says she also had to pay them off, giving them R300 so that they could leave her alone.
There is a heavy police contingent in the area with armoured vehicles also brought in, especially on the M35 road where the protesters have been gathering.
Officers will be keeping an eye on the situation throughout the night.
(Photos: Anelisa Kubheka)