CAPE TOWN - Following early morning protests in the Botrivier community, the N2 highway has been reopened to traffic after diversions had to be put in place as protesters stoned a number of vehicles on Tuesday.
According to residents, the unrest relates to housing developments and service delivery issues.
Theewaterskloof Municipality spokesperson, Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, said the N2 and connecting roads were opened just after 8.30am.
"The toilets at Beaumont housing development have been damaged. Leaders of the protest advised that electricity will be cut if anyone is not part of the illegal action. All municipal services were suspended and the Botrivier Town Office was closed and staff relocated to Grabouw and Caledon offices.
"The Western Cape Education Department has also been advised to suspend school operations at Botrivier Primary School. Critical infrastructure service provision (water, sanitation and electricity) staff will continue and some other staff will be placed on standby and to be monitored and protected by enforcement agencies," said Solomons-Johannes.
According to information, protesters had gathered from around 4am with reports of stone throwing and a car being set alight.
"A car had also been set alight at the Botrivier railway crossing, where cement blocks were placed across the road and people fled for their safety, assisted by SAPS. Botrivier SAPS are in attendance and awaiting SAPS POPS who will be arriving for further support," added Solomons-Johannes.
He said there was a dispute about a new housing development in the Botrivier community.
SAPS spokesperson Andre Traut said: "SAPS and other law enforcement agencies are deployed on the N2 in Botrivier to police a service delivery related protest action by the local community. The N2 (was) closed for traffic and alternative routes as suggested by the Traffic Department should be used in the vicinity of the protest. It has been reported that civilian vehicles have been stoned, and charges of public violence are under investigation. Arrests are yet to be made. Operational forces will remain in the area to maintain law and order until tranquillity has been restored."
This is a developing story.
Cape Times