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THE MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has strongly condemned attacks on police at Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi, Durban

Last night, 25 May 2015, police came under attack when they tried to intervene after a group at one of the blocks attacked another block in the hostel complex.

It is alleged that at approximately 20:00, police responded to gunshots at one of the blocks at the hostel. When they responded they came across a group of approximately 300 who were responsible for the attack. The group then opened fire on police and threw rocks and stones at the police vehicles.

Fortunately no police officer was seriously injured. However, police vehicle were damaged as a result of the attack.

Today (26 May 2015), Mchunu condemned these attacks saying that a lot had been done through the ‘One million voices campaign against police killings’ to ensure that police are safe.

“We have continuously been saying that people should be able to resolve disputes and conflicts in an amicable manner. Police are there to protect communities and therefore should be treated with respect.
“We will continue to protect our police by ensuring that those who are responsible for this deed are brought to book and face the full might of the law, said Mchunu

Mchunu has also appealed to community members that might have information about the perpetrators to contact the police to ensure that those responsible are behind bars.

More police have been deployed at this troubled hostel. On the other hand, the Department of Community Safety and Liaison is working flat out to facilitate talks between the warring factions at the hostel.

Issued by KZN Transport, Community Safety and Liaison