Port Elizabeth - A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged for public violence during service delivery protests at Walmer Location in Port Elizabeth, police said on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Marinda Mills said protest action by several hundred residents around service delivery issues had seen roads in the area blockaded by burning tyres and stones thrown at passing motorists. One suspect was arrested.
She said the protest had been monitored by the police since 5:45am on Thursday.
“Since early this morning various groups of community members started gathering at different areas around the Walmer Location. They also started to upset the flow of traffic by burning tyres. Victoria Road, 8th to 11th Avenue and 5th Avenue have been closed.”
Mills said two private vehicles had been reported damaged and the community members were reported to have thrown stones at passing vehicles.
“Public Order Police, Tactical Response Teams and local police members have been deployed to bring the situation under control. SAPS members are addressing the crowd on their demand to release the arrested suspect They are awaiting a representative from Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality to address the community on their demands.”
It is alleged that the disruptive actions are due to unresolved matters between the community and the Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality on service delivery, Mills said.
“The suspect will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrates Court today (on Thursday). However, a group of almost 500 protesters have gathered at Walmer SAPS demanding the release of the suspect.”
Mills said the road in front of Walmer SAPS (Main Road between 8th and 9th Avenue) had been closed.
A warning had been issued to protesters not to endanger the lives of people and to cease their violent actions of throwing stones at police vehicles and other road users.
Community members were reminded that although they had the democratic right to protest, they had to do so within the boundaries of the law and respect the rights of non-participating public members. Disregarding the law would not be allowed and those who failed to adhere to this would be arrested, charged and brought before a court, Mills added.
ANA