Cape Town - On Tuesday, chaos erupted as Bo-Kaap residents and police engaged in violent clash over the recent developments in the area.
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has lashed out saying that it is shocked at the blatant display of police brutality toward the elderly residents of Bo-Kaap.
Police had to use teargas to keep protesters at bay as they escorted the crane to its destination in Lion Street. “We are here to protest against this development and uphold our constitutional right to protest,” Jackie Toking said. This was despite residents being served an interdict not to protest.
A court interdict was granted in July preventing community members from doing anything perceived to be damaging to the development. About 50 residents gathered outside the development to protest.
“So far, four suspects aged between 22 and 43 were arrested for public violence. Once they are charged they will be appearing in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court,” police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said.
The MJC said they understood that police arrested four demonstrators and fired stun grenades at children and adults whilst they were peacefully protesting.
"The way the police and a private security company manhandled our elderly mothers and fathers in the community is appalling," said MJC Secretary-General, Shaykh Isgaak Taliep.
"The brutality of the police and the private security company must be investigated and those found to use excessive force must be harshly disciplined," Taliep added.
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has lashed out saying that it is shocked at the blatant display of police brutality toward the elderly residents of Bo-Kaap. Video: Supplied
The MJC said that they have come to understand years of pleas to declare Bo-Kaap a heritage site have fallen on deaf ears, and that it is for this reason residents have decided to peacefully protest against gentrification in the area.
"We applaud the residents of Bo-Kaap for uniting to protect the cradle of Islam from developers who only seek to make a profit," they said.
@TheCapeArgus