Durban - Police have arrested 21 people and impounded three minibus taxis after violent protests shut down the KwaZulu-Natal town of Ladysmith earlier this week.

SAPS KZN spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said members from various policing units, including the provincial taxi task team and and public order policing since the chaos erupted on Tuesday.

"The protesters blockaded all entrances and exits to the Ladysmith CBD. The teams worked tirelessly to contain the situation, open blocked roads and address crime related issues in the area. The N11 which had been blocked has been opened as well as other routes. Nineteen people that were arrested by police yesterday. A 48-year-old man will be facing charges of incitement to commit a crime and obstructing officers from performing their duties," Mbele said.

She said three suspects aged between 33 and 35 were arrested for being in possession of firearms and ammunition.

"They will face charges of failing to comply with the Firearms Control Act as well as for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, while five suspects aged between 23 and 34 were arrested for public violence," Mbele said.