Siyavuya Mzantsi
CLASHES between Dunoon residents and police continued yesterday after four City law enforcement vehicles were damaged when protesters hurled stones.
Police fired rubber bullets to prevent protesters from further damaging a MyCiTi bus station and attacking the officers.
A MyCiTi bus was torched and a bus station damaged after a land invasion turned violent at the weekend when the invaders protested against the dismantling of their newly built shacks. Five people were arrested for public violence.
Commuters and a security guard fled the scene when rocks and other objects were thrown at the station yesterday, damaging glass panels and the building’s exterior.
Protesters, who were mainly backyard dwellers, said they would continue protesting until they were provided land.
Dunoon resident Luyanda Nkohla said police told protesters they would meet an official from the City’s human settlements department, but no one came to listen to their grievances.
“People are frustrated because they have no place to stay while there is open land. We built shacks but the police destroyed them. The violence started after they told us that this official could not come and meet us, and that instead we must go meet her at the Civic Centre,” said Nkohla.
The City said law enforcement officers would remain in the area to ensure the safety of MyCiTi drivers and commuters.
Mayco member for transport Brett Herron said vandalism and the destruction of City property – coupled with intimidation and threats to personnel and law-abiding citizens – was unacceptable.
“We cannot tolerate this behaviour and I am urging the SAPS to please bring the perpetrators to book as a matter of urgency.”
He added the extent of the damage to both stations is still being assessed.
A police spokesperson confirmed the incidents, but said information on the number of arrests could not be issued.