On Friday a series of protests around the province by supporters for Zuma were held as they blockaded roads and highways demanding he be released.
Cele said that while the incarceration of Zuma was a low point in the country’s history, police handled a complex situation in the best way possible through negotiations under the leadership of Major-General Nonhlanhla Zulu, who exercised “the utmost patience and care” during a difficult time for the Zuma family and the nation.
The M7, which is a strategic cargo transit route to the Port of Durban and other provincial and municipal links, were also affected. “We understand the extreme anger of the people who are protesting. As a country and province, we find ourselves in a very unusual and unique situation wherein we are dealing with the arrest of a former president of the ANC and the country. We are therefore dealing with very challenging times. However, we call on those who are protesting to do so through peaceful means and to avoid violence and destruction at all costs,” said Premier Zikalala.